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Viral Betty White Challenge helps animal shelters through small donations

All across the nation, in honor of Betty White's 100th birthday, people are encouraged to donate any amount of money to their favorite animal shelter.

Posted Updated

By
Heather Leah
, WRAL multiplatform producer

In honor of beloved actress and animal lover Betty White, a viral hashtag and challenge was issued to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge is simple: All across the nation, in honor of her birthday, people are encouraged to donate any amount of money to their favorite animal shelter. By flooding all these rescue animals with funding and love, the challenge aims to be a final birthday gift to White – whose social media pages show dozens of photos of her posing with all kinds of animals, from hedgehogs to Koko the gorilla.

The SPCA of Wake County joined the challenge, aiming to raise enough money to save 100 senior pets in Betty White's name.

In just 24 hours, they met their goal – raising $10,000 to improve the lives of, not just animals, but specifically senior animals, in her honor.

"Betty has done so much throughout her life to love and advocate for animals, standing up for shelter pets and speaking up for the voiceless, and we can't think of a more beautiful way to celebrate Betty's legacy than attempting something truly amazing — to save 100 lives in her honor," wrote the SPCA for Wake County on their Facebook page.

"Thank you for your generosity in helping Betty White's legacy live on through all of the lives that will be saved in her honor," they wrote.

Animal services organizations around the Triangle jumped at the chance to leverage the love for the recently deceased actress to help with their mission. Most asked for small gifts – $5 or more – and shared their success on social media.

SAFE Haven for Cats exceeded a $1,700 goal with donations of $5 apiece.

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