"LOS ANGELES - Betty White, the legendary TV actress known for her iconic roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' & 'The Golden Girls,' also had a passion off-screen: animals.
Fans, along with many organizations, plan to pay homage to the late actress & comedian on Jan. 17 -- what would have been her 100th birthday -- by donating to an animal shelter or rescue mission in her name.
The movement, which has been dubbed the #BettyWhiteChallenge on social media, will pay tribute to White while also helping animals in need. The challenge asks fans to pick a human society, local rescue or animal shelter in her memory & donate $5 in her name.
White was a lifelong animal lover who worked tirelessly to raise money & support various causes. White died from natural causes on Dec. 31 at age 99.
The cultural icon said her parents, who were 'tremendous animal lovers,' instilled in her a kinship toward all creatures from a young age.
'They imbued in me the fact that, to me, there isn't an animal on the planet that I don't find fascinating & want to learn more about,' White told Smithsonian Magazine in 2012.
'Betty's love for animals as she says started in the womb....She had an uncanny way of communicating with all types of 4-legged creatures...The animals just knew through Betty's voice & body movement that she meant no harm,' Jeff Witjas, White's agent told FOX Television Stations Group. 'In fact, there may have been a few times she would make a funny face & the animal would show signs of smiling....Betty always knew how to work her audience. I plan on Betty's birthday to do a number of personal & private things to celebrate her fabulous life.'
Before pursuing a lengthy career in Hollywood, White even aspired to become a forest ranger -- but at the time women were not allowed in the profession. The U.S. Forest Service later made her an honorary ranger in 2010.
In 1970-1971, she wrote, produced, & hosted a syndicated TV show, 'The Pet Set,' to which celebrities brought their dogs & cats. She wrote a 1983 book titled 'Betty White's Pet Love: How Pets Take Care of Us,' & , in 2011, published 'Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo,' described as 'a love letter' to zoos, dedicated workers, & the animals who live in them.
Her devotion to pets was such that she declined a plum role in the hit 1997 movie 'As Good As It Gets.' She objected to a scene in which Jack Nicholson drops a small dog down a laundry chute.
In her 2011 book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't),' White explained the origins of her love for dogs. During the Depression, her dad made radios to sell to make extra money. But since few people had money to buy the radios, he willingly traded them for dogs, which were housed in kennels in the backyard, at times numbered at as many as 15 & made White's happy childhood even happier.
The Humane Society of the United States said there are numerous animal rescues, organizations, & shelters to which you can donate as a way to honor the iconic actress.
'These are challenging times for the thousands of extraordinary local animal shelters & rescue groups across the United States, & there could be no better tribute to Betty White than to support them directly with donations, volunteer time, & other commitment,' Kitty Block, the president & CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement. 'For decades, she was one of the nation's most visible champions of animal adoption, enhanced veterinary care, humane education, & the benefits of pet-keeping, & she understood the deep reliance of local groups on the generosity & engagement of a sympathetic public. We are excited about what the Betty White Challenge could mean for these deserving organizations.'
Lindsay Hamrick, the director of Shelter Outreach, Engagement & Training at the Humane Society of the United States, echoed Block's sentiment during an interview with FOX.
'If there was ever a time to support them, it's during this pandemic, which has been really critical for the animal shelters in your community to be able to support the members of the public & the pets that they love,' Hamrick said. 'Even $5 is going to help ensure that they have programs to help homeless animals & to provide services to the community such as low-cost veterinary care or vaccinations.'
Hamrick added: 'I hope that this challenge really encourages folks who have never connected with their local animal shelter to reach out & find out about the work that they do.'
...White supported many causes, such as the Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to advance veterinary medicine & research.
She was part of the foundation's family for more than 50 years, where she served as a trustee, board president, donor, spokesperson, & other roles.
'It is hard to imagine a world without Betty in it. She was a tremendous animal advocate who tirelessly supported the work of Morris Animal Foundation to improve the health of animals globally. All of us at the Foundation are mourning the loss of this amazing woman,' said Tiffany Grunert, President/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation... 'We will miss her wit, her intelligence &, most of all, her love of animals & commitment to advancing their health. She was a true inspiration to our staff, her fellow trustees & all of our supporters.'
Over 150 years, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it has worked tirelessly to put an end to animal abuse & neglect. The organization offers animal rescue, protection, & placement.
'In addition to her legendary status as an actress, comedian, & producer, Betty White demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters & animal welfare endeavors, fiercely promoting & protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects, & personally adopting many rescued animals,' Matt Bershadker, ASPCA's president & CEO told FOX in a statement. 'Betty was a constant & compassionate advocate for vulnerable animals across the country, & the ASPCA encourages people to honor her by participating in the #BettyWhiteChallenge & donating to local animal shelters & rescue organizations.'
Best Friends Animal Society is an organization, operating the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals. The nonprofit does outreach nationwide with shelters, rescue groups, & members to promote pet adoption, no-kill animal rescue, & spay-and-neuter practices.
'Betty White was a champion for animals & Best Friends Animal Society was lucky enough to receive donations from her for over 20 years,' Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, told FOX. 'She was always thinking & caring for pets in need & this challenge is a beautiful way to support your local shelter & honor her legacy. We are so thankful for everything she has done for animals & we are so grateful for all who are donating to help save them all.'
The Animal Cares Center of NYC (ACC) rescues, cares for & finds loving homes for homeless & abandoned animals in the New York City area...
For the past 145 years, American Humane said it is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, & well-being of animals.
Since White's passing last month, the organization said it has seen traffic quadruple 'along with a significant increase in donations from animal lovers who want to honor Betty White's legacy of love.'
'We are so grateful for Betty's longtime support & she will be dearly missed,' the nonprofit wrote in a statement.
On its website, American Humane asks the public to join in honoring the late actress's memory 'to make the world a better, kinder place for animals.'
The iconic actress served as a trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for nearly 40 years.
Tom Jacobson, the president of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, told FOX Television Stations Group White joined the board in 1976 & was immediately an advocate for many different species.
'The first thing she did when she joined our board was create a television special to introduce our zoo to the Los Angeles community,' Jacobson told FOX. 'She advocated for a new gorilla habitat, which is one of the best in the country.'
Jacobson continued: 'She was really well educated about the roles of zoos in nature & in the world. We're so grateful for her for telling everyone what zoos do to save species from extinction.'
The president said there has been a noticeable uptick in response to donate after the passing of White on Dec. 31.
'It's been pretty incredible, actually, & very hard to miss,' Jacobson continued. 'Many, many people have reached out spontaneously, even before this nationwide campaign, to make gifts in memory of Betty.'
Jacobson said the money will be put into a Betty White tribute fund, & once the money is collected, staff will figure out the appropriate use for the funds to pay tribute to the late actress.
Jacobson said the zoo plans to honor White on Jan. 17 with a number of events at the park & online, including a walk through the zoo in White's 'footsteps' with several displays of her & her love for specific exhibits.
'We had been working with Betty on how we might plan that day & celebrate a milestone, & we're still going to celebrate it. It's just going to be a celebration of her whole life,' Jacobson added. 'When someone like Betty loves animals & loves zoos, that influences other people in a really positive way.'
Tubi, the largest online library of free TV shows & movies, also has Betty White fans covered on Jan 17.
Life with Elizabeth (1952): White became the first woman ever to produce a sitcom with this 1952 gem, in which she played a newlywed adjusting to the trials & tribulations of married life.
Date with the Angels (1957): Another jewel in Betty White's sitcom crown, this one starred White as Vickie Angel, a woman newly married to an insurance salesman. Watch this one for a glimpse of the unbeatable timing that made her a sitcom icon.
Betty White's Pet Set (1971): Betty White, a legendary champion for animals, interviews some furry friends & some less furry but more famous ones in this brief series. Her sit-down with friend & co-worker Mary Tyler Moore is not to be missed.
Betty White: Champion for Animals (2011): Emmy-winning actress Betty White visits zoos, parks, & aquariums to share unforgettable encounters with amazing creatures from around the world.
The Retrievers (2001): When the Lowrys' newly adopted stray golden retriever gives birth, they give away her litter &, in the process, learn what it means to be a family.
Fathom Events also announced plans last month to show a film titled "Betty White: 100 Years Young -- A Birthday Celebration" on Jan. 17.
After her death on New Year's Eve, Fathom mourned White's death & announced it would move forward with its plans to distribute the movie.
'We will go forward with our plans to show the film on January 17 in hopes our film will provide a way for all who loved her to celebrate her life -- & experience what made her such a national treasure,' producers Steve Boettcher & Mike Trinklein said..."
fox35orlando.com
Jan. 10/2022
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