SBHumaneSocietySource: Santa Barbara Humane
The fierce animal advocate Betty White passed away at the age of 99. Circulating on social media is the “Betty White Challenge,” a virtual event that will be held on Monday, January 17, which would have been the actress’ 100th birthday. The event asks fans to donate $5 to animal rescues or shelters in her name.
Local donors have stepped up the challenge to ensure gifts made that day to Santa Barbara Humane are matched to double the support of the shelter’s work and the celebration of a lifelong champion for animals.
Shelter animals that day will all be named for various characters from Betty’s long career. If The Golden Girls was your favorite show, check out Rose Nyland who is up for adoption. More of a Hot in Cleveland fan? Well, Elka Ostrovsky is waiting for you!
“We wanted to maximize this opportunity to shine a light on her legacy,” said Sofia Rodriguez, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “No matter our age, it seems each of us has a favorite Betty character, even if it’s Mike from the Snickers commercial. This is a fun way to get the animals in on the gag. We think she would have loved it.”
If you are ready to adopt your favorite Betty character, visit www.sbhumane.org/adopt to view all available dogs and cats and their Betty White character names. To make an appointment to visit one of the Betty fans, email adopt@sbhumane.org or use the button on the animal’s profile.
Any donation to Santa Barbara Humane of $5 or more made in honor of Betty White will be matched on Monday, January 17th. Donations can be made online at sbhumane.org/betty or by calling 805-222-0139.
Santa Barbara Humane is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was one of the first animal welfare agencies in the country, 67 years before the national organization was founded. Santa Barbara Humane operates two campuses located in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria providing care for community-owned and homeless animals. Both campuses offer affordable high-quality veterinary care, compassionate behavior training programs, and a relinquishment program for owners who can no longer care for their pets. Homeless animals receive medical care, shelter, and basic behavior training until their adoption. Because it is a local organization that is not affiliated or funded by the national Humane Society or SPCA, Santa Barbara Humane relies on local donor support to ensure every dog and cat gets the care they need.
