Television icon Betty White passed away at age 99 on Dec. 31, just a few short weeks before her Jan. 17 birthday that would have marked a century on this Earth.
White is widely known for her fierce sense of independence and prolific acting career, but what few people realize is that she also had a pronounced love for animals, and animal causes.
Animal causes were said to be among her favorites, and now people are jumping in to support them as part of the #BettyWhiteChallenge that is taking over social media.
“On Betty White’s 100th birthday, January 17th, everyone should pick a local rescue or animal shelter in your area and donate just $5 in Betty White’s name,” a Facebook post stated.
“Make her 100th birthday the movement she deserves.”
The post has been shared over 23,000 times and utilizes the hashtag #BettyWhiteChallenge as part of the effort to increase donations on the late actress’ birthday.
A quick glance at Instagram under the hashtag shows countless posts of the meme shown below, showing just how popular this movement has become in such a short time.
Betty White’s favorite animal related causes included the following according to CNN: Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, American Humane, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Endangered Wolf Center and BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center.
“For nearly a century, Betty White has been a tireless and devoted animal welfare advocate and we are proud to have known her for 70 years — longer than any other supporter in our history,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO, in a statement.
White received the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for her “commitment to wildlife and efforts to create a sustainable planet.”
White is a former star of the long-running, syndicated Golden Girls TV show, along with countless movies.
If you have a heart for animal causes, the time to donate is fast approaching. Use the hashtag #BettyWhiteChallenge, and rally the troops: these animals need our help.
