The Betty White Challenge. January 17th. #BettyWhiteChallenge
Please pass it on… pic.twitter.com/itufEumDE9
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) January 3, 2022
“On Betty White’s 100th birthday, January 17th, everyone should pick a local rescue or animal shelter in your area and donate just $5 in Betty White’s name,” read the viral message alongside the hashtag. “Make her 100th birthday the movement she deserves,” it continued.
In addition to her numerous on-stage accolades, the star also received various awards for her passion and dedication to protecting wildlife. That included her National Humanitarian Medal and a James Smithson Bicentennial Medal in 2017.
Artist Corie Mattie created the ‘Be more like Betty’ mural on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, featuring a QR code that can be scanned to donate directly to Wagmor Pets. The rescue has already received $17,000 largely thanks to the mural.
The success of the viral hashtag also brought in $30,000 to the Dottie’s Yard Fund, The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society of New York raised $52,000 and many smaller organizations have reported donations following the launch of the challenge.
While the star had big birthday plans of her own, her legacy has given many a huge cause for celebration.