Seth Johnson
The Humane Society of North Central Florida raised more than $10,000 on Jan. 17 as part of the Betty White Challenge.
Margo DeConna, director of advancement at the society, said the amount came from just over 250 different donations.
“We were thrilled with the response on Monday and, actually, throughout the rest of this week,” DeConna said to Larry Wilson, morning DJ on 106.9 I Am Country. “The Betty White challenge really took off.”
The Betty White Challenge sprung to life on social media after the actress died on Dec. 31, a few weeks shy what would have been her 100th birthday on Jan. 17. The challenge encourages people to give to local humane societies and animal shelters in honor of White, a longtime proponent of the animal organizations.
Before the event, DeConna said the humane society was uncertain of the outcome.
“With things like this that kinda catch on and go viral, you never really know what to expect,” DeConna said.
The challenge raised more than $12 million nationwide for animal shelters, according to Variety magazine.
“Thank you to the community and to everybody who made contributions in Betty White’s memory,” DeConna said. “And honestly, I hope it continues.I hope we as a society remember Betty White and remember how important animals are to us as humans every January 17th.”
Humane Society of North Central Florida services 20 counties and houses more than 400 animals.