Betty White Challenge Brings In $84k For Arizona Humane Society

PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Humane Society is thanking Betty White for being a friend after the society received more than $84,000 in donations as part of the Betty White Challenge.

“Wow, that’s amazing," said Kelsea Patton, the humane society's vice president of external affairs, business services management, when she heard the final donation total. "What an incredible testimony to compassion and legacy.”

Betty White, who died Dec. 31 at 99 years old after one of the longest-running careers in Hollywood, was a famous animal lover. On Monday, which would have been White's 100th birthday, fans across the the nation made donations in her honor to organizations that help animals.

"It certainly has been wonderful seeing so much love for both Betty and a cause that was so near and dear to her heart," said Kelsey Dickerson, the humane society's media relations specialist. "I am so happy for all the animals that this incredible social movement in her honor will benefit."

In addition to online donations in White's honor, the Arizona Humane Society also received around 10 times more in-person donations on Monday than it brings in on a typical day.

“I’ve had many conversations with Betty about animal welfare, and I know she’s looking down from heaven and really smiling,” Robin Ganzert, who leads American Humane, an animal welfare organization that White was involved with for more than 60 years, told the Associated Press.

Dickerson added that the Arizona Humane Society is incredibly thankful for its supporters who allow it to continue helping homeless pets recover from injuries and sicknesses and find forever homes.

"Their compassion and love for our animals is unending," Dickerson said of the society's donors.

Arizona Humane Society takes in more than 15,000 sick, injured and abused pets each year.

“Amazing day in honor of a wonderful woman,” said Monica Leyba, the humane society's database marketing manager.