How many people could live 99 years and have everyone say it wasn’t long enough? Not many! The first person that probably pops into mind is Betty White.
Betty had a wonderful reputation for her kind heart and her love of animals. Many had been planning to celebrate her 100th birthday. With her passing shortly before her 100th birthday, the plans of celebration changed to plans to honor her memory. The best way to honor a woman like Betty White? By “being a Betty” and participating in the Betty White Challenge. The challenge encouraged everyone to find a local animal shelter and donate in Betty White’s name. It was absolutely beautiful to see the way Greene County stepped up to honor Betty White’s memory.
Betty White was an animal lover and advocate, as well as an author. In her book Pet Love, Betty White said she was often asked, “When did you become an animal lover?” Betty’s reply? “In the womb.” She said she never felt like an only child because she grew up with pets. She credited her beloved pets to helping her through the loss of her husband. Her love of animals inspired her affiliation with the Los Angeles Zoo and the Morris Animal Foundation.
Two local animal rescues that participated in the Betty White Challenge were Safe Acres Animal Rescue and Teddy Bear Cares Corporation.
Safe Acres is a new nonprofit foster-based rescue in Waynesburg. “Our rescue runs off community support, donations and foster parents,” says Heather Juran. In addition to donations through their Facebook page, Heather says, “Crazy Horse Coffee/Help Hard in Washington chose Safe Acres to be a recipient of a donation that they collected by making a special drink for Betty’s honor. They donated proceeds from a portion of drink sales.” Safe Acres is accepting donations through PayPal (www.paypal.com/paypalme/SafeAcres) and @Safe-Acres on Venmo.
Teddy Bear Cares (TBC) is another foster-based animal rescue in Greene County. TBC president Karen Roberts says, “We depend upon volunteers to do the work of animal rescue, and we’re al-ways looking for people who want to dedicate some of their free time to the mission for our community. We set people up with their own skill sets to do what they love best while helping the animals. TBC is also supported by donations to run the organization.” Karen also mentions: “Betty White set the bar for all of us to reach…put forth that same labor of love into the needs of the animals! It’s about the animals, while offering education, training, and love!” In addition to donations for the Betty White Challenge, TBC is also selling a “Be a Betty” mug to raise funds at www.tbccares.org/donate.
Betty White’s last message to her fans was posted online shortly after her death and it feels person-ally directed at those that participated in the Betty White Challenge. In the video Betty says, “I just want to thank you all for your love and support. Thank you so much!” There is no doubt that Betty would be proud of all of the good that has been done in her name in Greene County.
