99-year-old Betty White was not just an entertainer; she loved animals and advocated them throughout her life.
Betty White, who sadly passed away on 31 December, 2021 left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of millions – humans and animals included.
The 99-year-old actor died less than three weeks away from becoming a centenarian. She was an exemplary actress and one of the most renowned faces in the entertainment industry. That being said White dedicated her lifetime towards charity work and animal welfare.
She was an outspoken animal rights advocate and partnered with multiple organizations to help animals get adopted or fight for humane rights.
To recognize her efforts, fans of the late comedian are planning to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday on 17 January by organizing mass donations towards her pet cause.
The Betty White Challenge
Last week, a post on the Dogspotting Society’s Facebook suggested that fans of the star honor her animal rights activist’s life by donating a small sum of money to a worthy animal rescue charity in Betty White’s name.
Numerous shelters across the country, like the Tri-County Humane Society in Minnesota, have offered ways to donate in White’s memory. Others like the Faithful Friends Animal Society in Delaware said they will match any donation made, USA Today reported.
“The Betty White Challenge” has since been going viral on social media with many fans throwing their support behind it.
“Let’s do it for Betty,” wrote one Twitter user.
Another added: “I got my baby from an animal rescue, so I’m looking forward to participating in the #BettyWhiteChallenge.”
On Sunday, animal welfare charity, American Humane, noted on its Twitter that it has already seen an influx of donations ahead of White’s birthday.
“Thank you to all who have donated in memory of #BettyWhite. We are honored to continue Betty’s legacy and make the world a better, kinder place for all animals,” the charity tweeted alongside a photo of White and her dog Pontiac.
Activist White
White started working with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) when she was in her 20s and continued to be associated with them until her death.
Madeline Bernstein, president of the spcaLA, told USA Today: “Betty White was the real deal.
“She did not come upon animal welfare issues when it became more trendy to do so. She was like that from, well, she would say from birth.”
According to Smithsonian Magazine, White served as a trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for over 40 years. She has been associated with the Morris Animal Foundation, and has worked with PETA as well.
Was White vegan?
While there is no doubt that White loved animals, she never disclosed whether she was vegan, plant-based or otherwise.
However, the legendary actor’s list of favourite foods which included French fries, potato chips, vodka, soda (specifically Diet Coke), and red licorice vines sound pretty vegan. The only exception on her list was hot dogs – but that does not necessarily mean it was made from animal products.
In fact, according to TODAY, White celebrated her 93rd birthday with a completely vegan birthday cake- which to an extent does indicate what her preferred dietary choice could’ve been.
Share this story: Betty White Challenge urges fans to honour late star’s animal rights activism on her 100th birthday.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Gordon Ramsay Ditches Vegan Hate and Backs Flora’s Plant-Based Butter in New ‘Skip the Cow’ Campaign
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 28th January 2025
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, once infamous for his digs at vegans, has taken a sharp turn in the kitchen. Ramsay has teamed up with Flora, the famous UK-based spread brand, as its global ambassador, marking a bold new chapter in Flora’s “Skip the Cow” campaign. Flora, established in 1964, has long been a household name …
The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 27th January 2025
Latin America is experiencing an extraordinary rise in plant-based dining options. A new study, spearheaded by Veganuary in partnership with the food discovery platform HappyCow, reveals that Latin America now boasts over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants—an impressive 21.6% jump compared to last year. Brazil takes the crown as the number one country, with …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God