Jan. 17 was supposed to be a magical day for America’s favorite senior citizen when legendary actress Betty White was set to celebrate her 100th birthday. But the beloved star died peacefully in her sleep at her Brentwood, California home on New Year’s Eve.
So fans of “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” star are rallying on Jan. 17 to honor Betty White by supporting one of her biggest passions: animal welfare.
White has long been outspoken about animal rights, partnering with multiple organizations in helping animals get adopted or fighting for humane rights. Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, was one of the advocates who partnered with White during her long crusade to help animals.
For the past 30 years, Bernstein worked alongside White in advocating for animal welfare. But White’s work with animals began way before meeting Bernstein.
“Betty White was the real deal,” Bernstein told USA TODAY. “She did not come upon animal welfare issues when it became more trendy to do so. She was like that from, well, she would say from birth.”
The lifetime dedication for animal welfare resulted in White receiving the National Humanitarian Medal from American Humane, the first national humane organization founded in the United States. She also received the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s James Smithson Bicentennial Medal in 2017. At the time, she said animals were “what I love most in the world.”
It wasn’t a secret White adored every animal she encountered. Bernstein mentioned there were a few times White would see a dog and give them a kiss, and she would take any opportunity she could to take a picture with any animal. As sweet as she was with animals, she was also serious about doing anything she could for them.
How to take the #BettyWhiteChallenge
When White died, people all across social media shared their shock and sadness.
Bernstein said many people “felt cheated” they couldn’t celebrate with White, but instead they found a different way to celebrate and honor her memory.
Since the first week of 2022, the #BettyWhiteChallenge has become a trending hashtag throughout social media. The challenge is simple: donate to any local or national animal shelter, rescue or agency in White’s name leading up to or on Jan. 17 on what would have been her 100th birthday.