The Betty White Challenge Raised $12.7M for Animal Shelters Around the World

The death of a well-loved actress and animal lover sparked a global influx of donations to animal shelters in her honor.

Betty White on Instagram

Nobody was ready for 2021 to take a life like Betty White's. The incredibly loved actress, social justice pioneer, and animal lover passed away on December 31, 2021, leaving behind a legacy and an incredible love for animals. In her passing, the Betty White Challenge was formed - White's team challenged her fans to donate to animal shelters in White's name, and thus, according to Meta, 390,000 donated to fundraisers on Facebook amounting to a whopping $12.7M for animals in Betty White's name.

On Friday, Betty White's team posted a pre-recorded video on all of her social media accounts thanking those who donated in her name.

"Good morning! As we continue to see numbers coming in from all over the world — it's just absolutely amazing how much money all of you raised for the animals through #thebettywhitechallenge," her team wrote in the video post on Facebook.

The post continued, "She could never have imagined such an outpouring of love and would have be so grateful to everyone. When we recorded her special message to fans who attended the movie, we also recorded one that we had planned to put on social media on her birthday. She was using the occasion of her 100th birthday to celebrate YOU - her fans. She knew how lucky she was; she felt the love, and she never took it for granted. I think it's appropriate to post today as a thank from Betty and the animals."

We're so thankful that Betty White brought so much love and kindness to the world through her work and her love for animals. If you want to take part in the #bettywhitechallenge you can donate to an animal shelter near you in White's name. Any amount is helpful!