Betty White’s love of animals is well documented, and the SPCA of East Texas is celebrating her life as an animal advocate by participating in the “Betty White Challenge.”
In an effort to celebrate what would’ve been White’s 100th birthday, fans and animal lovers are encouraged to donate to their local animal shelters.
The SPCA posted the challenge to their Facebook page, along with the statement, “We would be honored to receive donations in memory of an animal welfare warrior such as Betty, whether it’s $5 or $100, every donation makes a difference to the homeless animals of East Texas.”
White published “Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo,” in 2012 about her work with animal nonprofits. During a 2011 interview with CBS Sunday Morning anchor, Katie Couric, Betty was asked about her advice on living a long rich life.
The television icon replied, “I’m not preaching, but maybe I learned it from my animal friends: kindness and consideration for somebody besides yourself. And I think that keeps you feeling young, I really do.”
American Humane also released a statement following White’s passing on December 31, in which the organization quotes their president and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert, who said:
“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.
“We bestowed our highest honor, the National Humanitarian Medal, on Betty because she reflected our core values of compassion, caring, and hope. Betty dedicated herself to protecting and improving the quality of life for animals worldwide. She has always been a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, and we are honored to have known and worked with her during so much of her truly remarkable life. On behalf of the millions of animals whose lives you have touched, thank you, Betty!”
Ganzert also told Good Morning America, “We have seen such an uptick in donations all due to Betty White. Betty White would be smiling from heaven as she thinks about the Betty White Challenge on her birthday.”
Fans of Betty White are encouraged to participate in the #BettyWhiteChallenge by donating to their local humane society by the star’s birthday on January 17.
