BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Local animal shelters are thanking donors who participated in the Betty White Challenge, which encouraged donations to support animals on Monday, the late actress' 100th birthday.
The Foothills Animal Shelter raised $29,000 from about 1,000 donors, said Joan Thielen, the shelter's community engagement manager. On a typical day when the shelter isn't in a fundraising campaign, it sees less than $500 in donations, she said.
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley, which is a recipient of "Word of Thanks" on Next with Kyle Clark, raised an additional $15,000 and counting by midday Monday. The organization is providing care, and boarding, pet food and supplies for families displaced by the Marshall Fire.
The Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) had raised about $23,000 from more than 700 donors online and by mail, as of 4:40 p.m. Monday, according to Rob Mansheim, DDFL creative services manager.
The Betty White Challenge originated on social media after the beloved actress' death on Dec. 31, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday on Jan. 17.
To honor White's devotion to animals, the challenge encouraged people to donate $5 to a local animal rescue organization in her name on her birthday.
"We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for all the Good Humans who have donated today in honor of Betty White," Foothills Animal Shelter said on Facebook. "We are positive she would have been so proud of this community on her birthday today."
There is still time to participate in the challenge and help a shelter or animal rescue organization in the Denver metro area or across Colorado.
Here are links to donate to some local animal shelters:
- Foothills Animal Shelter
- Denver Dumb Friends League
- Denver Animal Shelter
- Max Fund Animal Adoption Center
- Humane Society of the South Platte Valley
- Humane Society of Boulder Valley
- Aurora Animal Shelter
- Longmont Humane Society
- Riverdale Animal Shelter
- Larimer Humane Society
- Animal Friends Alliance
- Humane Society of Weld County
The Humane Society of South Platte Valley said on Facebook that Tito's Handmade Vodka will match donations on Monday up to $1,500 – an effort that had raised almost $1,000 by midafternoon.
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