Local animal welfare organizations raise money in honor of late Betty White

Anoushka Dalmia, Telegram & Gazette
·2 min read
Second Chance Animal Shelter Executive Director Sheryl Blancato holds Hugo with Bethany Bleau and Gotti, both up for adoption Wednesday. Animal Shelters across the country are participating in the 'Betty White Challenge."
Second Chance Animal Shelter Executive Director Sheryl Blancato holds Hugo with Bethany Bleau and Gotti, both up for adoption Wednesday. Animal Shelters across the country are participating in the 'Betty White Challenge."
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Two area animal welfare organizations are raising money in honor of the late Betty White, actress, comedian and well-known animal rights champion.

The online fundraisers started after the hashtag "Betty White Challenge" swept across social media, asking people to donate to local animal shelters in her memory.

Central Massachusetts-based Second Chance Animal Services received donations from 129 people in White's name, with one donor referring to her as "the amazing Betty White."

The organization had raised over $3,700 as of Monday, including more than $3,200 on Facebook alone, through its "BettyWhiteChallenge."

White, 99, was a beloved American entertainer with a career spanning eight decades. The "Golden Girl" died Dec. 31, just a couple of weeks shy of her 100th birthday on Jan. 17.

Also as of Monday, the Worcester Animal Rescue League had raised over $7,000 from 225 people on Facebook through its version of the "challenge."

Nicole Tremblay with Valentine at Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield.
Nicole Tremblay with Valentine at Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield.

Meanwhile, the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is promoting its foster program in honor of White's 100th birthday.

Second Chance started the fundraiser after it received donations in her name impromptu over the New Year holiday weekend.

The animal welfare organization, which offers veterinary services in Worcester, North Brookfield, Southbridge and Springfield, and adoption services in East Brookfield, plans to use the money in a manner White would've approved of — aiding elderly pet owners through a program that provides free veterinary services to pets at the homes of low-income senior communities.

"Homebound to the Rescue was founded when we learned that many seniors on fixed incomes had to choose between caring for their pet and putting food on their table," Lindsay Doray, Second Chance chief development officer, said. "We knew we had to find a way to help so these seniors could keep their beloved pet who may be their sole daily companion."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Betty White Challenge: Local animal welfare organizations raise money in honor of late Betty White