Betty White would have turned 100 on Monday, January 17. The actress, died on December 31 at the age of 99, has almost reached the mark of the century. But in his honor, and on what would have been his birthday, fans faced off Betty White Challenge, a social media incentive to donate $5 to an animal charity. White was well known for her charitable work involving animals and her advocacy of animal rights.

The challenge made headlines right after White’s death, but apparently fans didn’t forget about it in the weeks leading up to his birthday. Animal organizations have reported seeing an increase in donations arriving in White’s name.

LA Zoo

White has been involved with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo since it opened in 1966, serving on its board of directors, appearing on a zoo special and writing a book to benefit the zoo. It’s no surprise, then, that the zoo was one of the recipients of donations via the Betty White Challenge, raising $70,389 (£52,000, AU$97,000) on White’s birthday, with 1 731 donations from 49 states, the District of Columbia and 11 countries. Donations continued to arrive after his birthday, and the zoo says it received 2,117 donations totaling $94,297 (£69,000, AU$131,000) in honor of White.

best friends society

A representative from the Best Friends Animal Society, a non-profit that runs the country’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, said the group had raised $340,000 (£250,000, AU$471,000) via its website and social media fundraisers, and is still determining other donations associated with the challenge.

“Betty White was an animal champion and the Best Friends Animal Society has been fortunate to receive donations from her for over 20 years,” said the society’s CEO, Julie Castle. “She always thought and cared for pets in need and this challenge is a great way to support your local shelter and honor her legacy. We are so grateful for all she has done for animals and we We are so grateful to everyone who donates to help save them all.”

Other groups

Mark Stubis, spokesman for American Humane, told the Wall Street Journal that financial donations to the organization have quadrupled in the past three weeks.

The Betty White Challenge did not specify which charity fans should donate to, leaving that up to their discretion. Thus, small local groups benefited as well as large ones.

The Journal reported that the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in New York state raised $50,000, most of it through an official #BettyWhiteChallenge Facebook page, and that TriBeagles, a North Carolina beagle rescue group, received $12,000 on White’s birthday.

The Betty White Challenge has also crossed borders. The Calgary Humane Society in Calgary, Alberta, Canada published on Tuesday: “We are speechless! To date, we’ve raised $91,845.81 and counting towards the #BettyWhiteChallenge! Thanks for all the support! We know Betty White would be proud. What a legacy!” ($91,845 CAD is roughly $73,000 US, £53,400 and AU$100,800.)