Ventura County Animal Services raises record $50,000 from viral ‘Betty White Challenge’

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Call it the cat's meow: Ventura County Animal Services raised $50,000 over the holiday weekend as part of the latest viral fundraising trend, the "Betty White Challenge."

The challenge, which asks people to donate $5 to their local animal shelter, was inspired by the beloved late actress and her animal activism on what would have been her 100th birthday Monday.

The response has been overwhelming for Ventura County Animal Services, according to Randy Friedman, the agency's marketing manager. The county's animal services manages two adoption centers in Camarillo and Simi Valley.

"We've never raised this much in such a short amount of time," Friedman said.

Kimberly Flavin, animal care manager for Ventura County Animal Services, photographs Calypso, a 2-year-old Siberian Husky who was adopted over the weekend during the "Betty White Challenge."
Kimberly Flavin, animal care manager for Ventura County Animal Services, photographs Calypso, a 2-year-old Siberian Husky who was adopted over the weekend during the "Betty White Challenge."

Here, Bella! Good boy, Max!: Old favorites top pet names in Ventura County in 2021

The agency originally aimed to raise $10,000, a goal which was met within a matter of hours. Donations continued to pour in, surpassing goals of $20,000 and $30,000. The latest goal of $50,000 was reached by the end of Tuesday, according to Friedman.

He said the viral challenge's low barrier to entry was a huge selling point.

"It was just $5. I think that's what appealed to people most," Friedman said.

Friedman also encouraged Ventura County residents to find other ways to get involved with animal services.

"I would say the first thing above anything else is to adopt," he said. "If they can't adopt, what we're asking for is foster parents."

This upcoming weekend, the county agency will host a "Clear the Shelters" adoption event to try and find homes for pets. Adoption fees will be lowered to $21 during the event.

Those who wish to adopt a pet or still wish to participate in the challenge can do so by visiting vcas.us.

A screenshot of the Ventura County Animal Services website on Wednesday depicts a fundraiser thermometer showing $53,007 raised during the "Betty White Challenge."
A screenshot of the Ventura County Animal Services website on Wednesday depicts a fundraiser thermometer showing $53,007 raised during the "Betty White Challenge."

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Viral #BettyWhiteChallenge raises $50,000 for local animal services