SARL Receives More Than $14K From Betty White Challenge

A national campaign to honor comedic actress and animal welfare advocate Betty White has had a major positive impact on a local nonprofit, The Salem Animal Rescue League, which has so far received more than $14,000 in donations in her name.

The Betty White Challenge was designed to honor White on January 17, which would have been her 100th birthday, by donating to animal shelters. The challenge started on social media shortly after she passed away and quickly went viral internationally.

“We are stunned by the response from our community, and are eternally grateful,” said SARL Executive Director Jinelle Hobson. “More than 400 people contributed to the SARL in Betty’s name via Facebook, our website, or in person, and many of them were first-time donors to our organization.” She added, “We’re still getting donations!”

Hobson went on to say that donations come at a critical time for the shelter, which continues to feel the financial fallout from the pandemic, including the current spike in costs for everything from heating oil and electricity to cleaning supplies and kitty litter.

“The donations will go a long way to helping us care for and provide a safe, clean healthy environment for all of our animals as they wait for their forever homes,” Hobson said. “Betty White would be so proud of what has been done in her name and how many innocent lives will be saved.”