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Fans hatch creative plan to celebrate Betty White’s 100th birthday by helping animals
Betty White's birthday is on January 17th and we're pretty sure this would make her happy.
Rebecca Reid
01.12.22

An American Treasure.

Betty White’s recent passing on December 31 at 99 is bittersweet for so many who saw her as an American treasure.

Yes, it is important to celebrate the full life she lived and her success as a beloved actress, comedian, and animal activist.

However, it is hard to imagine a world without Betty White.

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

There’s no extinguishing a fire like Betty’s.

As fans look toward what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday on January 17, there is a growing need to honor the ‘First Lady of Television’.

Betty was a staunch animal welfare advocate and was quoted on Entertainment Tonight in 2015 saying, “I just like animals more than I like people. It’s that simple.”

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

The #BettyWhiteChallenge goes viral.

There is no way Betty White’s milestone birthday can go by without the world honoring this amazing woman.

Fans have started the #BettyWhiteChallenge, which encourages everyone to make a $5.00 donation to a local animal shelter on her birthday, January 17.

A call to action in Betty’s honor.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge is going viral on social media sites and includes the message:

‘On Betty White’s 100th birthday, January 17, everyone should pick a local animal rescue or shelter in your area and donate just $5 in her name. Make Betty’s birthday the movement she deserves.’

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

The Golden Girls star’s devotion to animals

White was a known animal lover and told Good Morning America that she grew up with parents who also loved animals.

That love never faded and White later went on to work with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) for over 50 years.

GLAZA is a nonprofit partner with Los Angeles Zoo and works to ‘save endangered species and improve conditions for zoo animals.’ – The Animal Rescue Site

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

Betty adopted countless rescue animals.

During her life, White was always taking in animals in need. Her empathy and love for animals started, “in the womb,” White told Good Morning America.

Her parents didn’t think twice about taking in stray dogs during the Great Depression.

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

Charities were close to her heart.

In addition to adopting rescue animals, Betty White supported multiple charities during her lifetime. Her favorites were:

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, American Humane, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Endangered Wolf Center, BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center.

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

“All thanks to Betty White.”

Shelters across the country have already seen a surge in donations since the challenge started.

“We have seen such an uptick in donations all due to Betty White…(she) would be smiling from heaven as she thinks about the #BettyWhiteChallenge on her birthday.” – Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane told Good Morning America

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

“I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal business…I have found them endlessly fascinating since I was born.” – Betty White told Good Morning America

Fans of White want to keep that spirit alive by urging people to take part in the #BettyWhiteChallenge this January 17.

If Betty has anything to do with it, it’s safe to say the entire challenge will be a huge success.

YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube screenshot - Good Morning America

See the video highlighting the #BettyWhiteChallenge below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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