What Is The ‘Betty White Challenge’ That’s Taking The Internet By Storm?

Betty White sadly passed away last Saturday at the age of 99, just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday. Now, a “Betty White Challenge” is going viral online, and it’s something that the famous “Golden Girl” herself would have loved. 

What Is The Betty White Challenge?

The “Betty White Challenge” is a virtual event that is scheduled to take place on January 17, which would have been White’s 100th birthday, and it asks fans to donate $5 to animal rescues or shelters in her name, according to The New York Post. Find out more about this challenge in the video below. 

White’s Passion For Animals 

When she wasn’t acting, White devoted much of her time to being an animal rights activist. She was particularly passionate about saving endangered species and fixing conditions at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Donations for animal rights groups have already started pouring in since White’s death. 

“Almost immediately following the press regarding her passing we started receiving donations,” Susan Taylor, the executive director of Actors and Others for Animals, told Market Watch. This organization is a non-profit that provides financial assistance for pet owners to spay or neuter their pets. 

Related: Betty White Uttered This Powerful Last Word Says ‘Carol Burnett Show’ Star Vicki Lawrence

Matt Bershadker, president of the nonprofit ASPCA, spoke out after White’s death to pay tribute to the work she did for animals. 

“Betty White demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters and animal welfare endeavors, fiercely promoting and protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects and personally adopting many rescued animals,” he said. “Betty was a constant and compassionate advocate for vulnerable animals across the country, and will be greatly missed.”

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association president Tom Jacobson issued a similar statement honoring White.

“Her work with [the zoo] spans more than five decades, and we are grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals, and tireless dedication to supporting our mission,” he said. 

Related: Here’s Why Betty White Chose To Never Have Children

White’s Love For Animals Ran Deep 

White even wrote a book about her devotion to animals in 2011 called “Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo.” She was also such an avid supporter of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium that the zoo’s entrance to their Heart of Africa exhibit was named Betty White Way in 2014. 

“Children grow up to be people so I like animals better than people,” White once told Entertainment Tonight. “I just like animals more than I like people. It’s that simple.”

White would undoubtedly be overjoyed to see that there is a challenge in the wake of her death to help animals in her name.