Betty White would have turned 100 years old on January 17th, 2022. Sadly for the entire world, the long-time TV and film star passed away just shy of her centennial (good riddance to 2021.) In addition to being a beloved actress, White also championed numerous animal rights causes and spent her life supporting animals in need.
In honor of Betty and her lifelong commitment to the animals, fans all around the world participated in the #BeLikeBetty challenge. The viral campaign urged support for animal welfare causes on what would have been White’s 100th birthday.
Long story short: the challenge was a massive success. Animal charities and welfare groups across the world received tons of valuable donations.
White’s friend and longtime agent, Jeff Witjas, told People the late star would have been so touched to see these results.
“The outpouring of love, the amazing amount of donations being given to all types of animal organizations is such a tribute to how Betty lived her life. As Betty would say, ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’”
iHeartDogs’ #BeLikeBetty Line Feeds Thousands Of Dogs
At iHeartDogs, we’re huge fans of Betty White and her compassionate work. To honor the actress, we launched the iHeartDogs.com #BeLikeBetty line. By purchasing a “Be Like Betty” sweatshirt or tee, customers would ensure the donation of 20 meals to shelter dogs.
Following what would have been White’s birthday in January, iHeartDogs had already funded 220,000 meals, and our donation page is currently at $20,885! The kindness and generosity of our followers never cease to amaze us. You are indeed heroes!
Thank you so much to our fans and supporters whose purchases of thousands of these shirts and hoodies will feed tons of hungry shelter animals! If you’d still like to help, you can view the available apparel here.
Animal Charities And Organizations Receive Tons Of Donations In White’s Name
The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
This central Florida shelter received more than $50,500 in donations through the #BettyWhiteChallenge. On an average day, the shelter will receive about $500 in donations. That’s a pretty colossal uptick!
The Los Angeles Zoo
It’s not just cats, dogs, and horses that Betty White cared deeply for. She started volunteering at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens when it opened in 1966. Beginning in 1974, White sat on the board of trustees for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association(GLAZA).
In 2013, she was named an honorary zookeeper and even given a uniform and symbolic key to the zoo. Since her passing, the zoo established a memorial garden in White’s honor, where fans can leave personal messages as a tribute.
“A lifelong animal lover, she chose to illuminate the role zoos play as centers of conservation and education over her many years of support. We thank her for being a friend to the Zoo and animals around the world.” – LA Zoo, via Instagram
From now through the end of January 2022, all donations made to the Betty White Tribute Fund will be matched by GLAZA trustees. As of January 21st, $76,826 has been raised for the zoo through the site.
Morris Animal Foundation
For 50 years, Betty White served as a Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit that invests in science to advance animal health. At the time of her passing, she was the President Emeritus.
According to Tiffany Grunert, president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation, White personally sponsored more than 30 health studies that improved health for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. So, it’s no surprise fans of White would want to support Morris Animal Foundation in her honor.
“We are blown away by the support we received in honor of Betty White! Thanks to each one of you who gave to Morris Animal Foundation to help animals have longer, healthier lives. We know Betty would be so happy to see so many animals helped.”
Calgary Humane Society
On January 18th, the Alberta, Canada-based rescue organization tweeted that they had received $91,845.81 “and counting” in donations dedicated to Betty White.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends, which operates the largest sanctuary for homeless animals in the U.S., brought in over $340,000 in donations thanks to #BeLikeBetty. (Personal note: I rescued a cat from Best Friends, so this makes me happy!)
CEO Julie Castle shared:
“Betty White was a champion for animals and Best Friends Animal Society was lucky enough to receive donations from her for over 20 years. She was always thinking and caring for pets in need and this challenge is a beautiful way to support your local shelter and honor her legacy. We are so thankful for everything she has done for animals and we are so grateful for all who are donating to help save them all.”
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals
The BC SPCA received huge support on Betty White’s birthday, as the organization shared on Facebook the following day.
“We are awe struck by the INCREDIBLE outpouring of love for animals in memory of Betty White that raised over $400,000 in donations! Thank you to everyone who gave so generously. This amazing tribute to Betty White will make a huge difference for animals.”
Countless Other Rescues Benefit
These organizations listed above are just a few of countless worldwide that benefited from the #BeLikeBetty challenge. Whether you donated to a local shelter or a national organization, your support matters.
White will be so deeply missed, but fortunately, it seems her legacy of caring about animals lives on. Let’s try to #BeLikeBetty every day!
Featured Image: Instagram