Fans donate thousands of dollars to animal shelters as part of the Betty White Challenge

Thank you for being a friend

Charities and animal shelters across the US saw an influx of donations on Monday, thanks to the great, late Betty White.

The actress who passed away on New Year’s Eve, was a supporter of creatures large and small; she used to say, “I stayed in the show business to pay for my animal business,” and also quipped, “I’m an animal lover, I’m not a cougar.” In her honor, social media fans started the Betty White Challenge, encouraging people to donate $5 to animal rescue organizations on Monday to celebrate her 100th birthday. White.

Her admirers understood the mission. Denver’s 9 News report that animal shelters and charities in the area saw a large increase in donations Monday – The Humane Society of the Boulder Valley, which supports pets and families Their family was displaced by the Marshall Fire, raised $15,000 Monday afternoon, and the Denver Dumb Friends League brought in $23,000 from more than 700 donors.

At Foothills Animal Shelter, Joan Thielen, community engagement manager, told 9 News late in the afternoon the facility had received $16,300 from 529 donors. When no campaign is taking place, the organization typically receives less than $500 in donations. In a Facebook post, Foothills Animal Shelter said it was “filled with gratitude to all the good people who donated today in honor of Betty White. We are so proud of this community on her birthday. today’s sunday.”