Betty White Challenge Raises $50K For Haws Of Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha raised $50,000 as part of the Betty White Challenge, according to HAWS Facebook page.

The Betty White Challenge was held in honor of the late actress, who would have turned 100 years old on Monday. She died on New Year's Eve. Her career in television and film spanned decades and included "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls," among others. Read more here: Betty White, Beloved Comedian And Actress, Dead At 99

White was a huge animal advocate, raising money for animal causes.

"We are overwhelmed by the graciousness of our community and partners who support animal welfare and humane education. From the bottom of our hearts, all the way down to our paws, thank you," Haws said in a Facebook post.

Haws also thanked Emma Loves Dogs for presenting a donation of $1,000 in honor of the challenge.

Emma Loves Dogs, is a foundation honoring the life of Emma Mertens that supports organizations that share her passion for helping animals, such as animal shelters and Police K9 units.

The Hartland girl's story went viral in 2019 when "love letters from dogs" were solicited to lift her spirits. Emma fought a very rare and inoperable brain tumor called DIPG. She died in November 2019 after a courageous battle at 8-years-old.

The Emma Loves Dogs Foundation was created on August 30, 2019 which was Emma's eighth birthday.

"So many smiles all around...Emma and Betty are probably watching us and celebrating with all the pets," Haws said.

A Waukesha restaurant also continues to honor the beloved "Golden Girl" with a special burger for the month of January.

Sobelman's Waukesha, 332 Williams St. is creating the Betty White burger. The burger is made with aged white cheddar, bacon, fried onions, two golden onion rings and honey mustard sauce.

Alison Ippolite, co-owner of Sobelman's and Bosco's Social Club is a huge "Golden Girls" fan.

"I'm a huge "Golden Girls" fan, I even went on the "Golden Girls" cruise and I think she [Betty White] is such an icon," she told Patch.

White was preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday.

"It is bittersweet but good for her. She lived a really long great life. I would still consider her 100," she said.

For White's 100th birthday, the restaurant gave out cheesecake. Ippolite donated 50 percent of sales to Humane Animal Welfare Society - HAWS of Waukesha County.