WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, January 25, 2022 — For almost 100 years, Betty White’s greatest passion was to help animals and help ensure that more of them were treated with the love, care and compassion they deserve. Now, thanks to an astonishing outpouring of support for the online national #BettyWhiteChallenge, this remarkable lady, who donated seven decades of her heart’s work to American Humane, is helping more furred, finned and feathered friends around the world after her passing than ever before.
“We want to thank every animal lover and Betty White fan who rose so magnificently to the occasion and supported her vision of a kinder world for animals by joining this viral campaign,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO, the country’s first national humane organization. “For nearly a century, Betty White has been a tireless and devoted animal welfare advocate, helping millions of animals through her efforts. Because of her powerful voice and the devotion of those who took part in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, her legacy of love will continue to touch the lives of those with whom we share the Earth.”
In response to the swell of donations that came in to help American Humane save, shelter, feed and protect nearly one billion animals around the world each year, Dr. Ganzert unveiled plans to continue honoring Ms. White by making the #BettyWhiteChallenge an annual event.
“Betty’s love for animals was timeless, and our pledge to celebrate that love must be, too,” said Ganzert. “Her friendship and passion will never be forgotten.”
White volunteered her service as a member of American Humane’s board of directors, supported the organization’s “No Animals Were Harmed®” program protecting animals in film and television, lent her services to the group’s fund-raising activities, acted as a judge and presenter for the nationally televised American Humane Hero Dog Awards, and served as the chair of its now 106-year-old nationwide “Be Kind to Animals Week®,” the most successful humane education campaign and the oldest commemorative week in U.S. history.
In gratitude, the 145-year-old charity, which gave Ms. White the National Humanitarian Medal – its highest honor – is also dedicating a special part of its latest lifesaving program to its longest-serving supporter, opening the “Betty White Healing Garden” at its new national American Humane Sanctuary, a beautiful 10-acre refuge where animals in need of forever homes as well as veterans in critical need of healing service dogs can find a home, help and love.
“Betty dedicated herself to protecting and improving the quality of life for so many,” Ganzert said. “She has always been a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, and we are honored to have known and worked with her during so much of her truly remarkable life. We will always keep the memory of your fervor and friendship alive, and on behalf of the millions whose lives you have touched, thank you, Betty!”
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and has been behind virtually every major advance in the treatment of animals over the past 145 years. For more information, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
