ISLIP, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Long Island animal shelter on Thursday paid tribute to Betty White to honor her memory and dedication to animal rights.
There were party hats and doggie cupcakes at the new Town of Islip Animal Shelter, which held a special celebration to honor the late actress and animal lover, who would have marked her 100th birthday on Monday.
As part of the event, the shelter announced it is joining in the Betty White Challenge, a viral social media campaign that encourages people to donate $5 to an animal shelter or animal rescue organization of their choice to help care for pets.
"I don't think there's a person who didn't feel the passing of Betty White and just didn't really have a special place in your heart for her. As a performer, just as a wonderful, wonderful human being, and certainly an animal rights advocate," Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said. "She did not hide that, she was so proud of that, and really, really loved animals of all kinds."
Residents interested in making a donation in Betty White's name can either mail $5 to the Islip shelter or choose an item for its Amazon Wish List.
"Anyone that makes a donation as little as $5 it will be received and very much appreciated," Carpenter said. "It can be goods, it can be money, we have donation bins out front."
Monetary donations will be used to purchase bedding, toys, food and other animal necessities.
Breeze Airways was the first to make a donation to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter as part of the Betty White Challenge.
“It’s safe to say everyone at Breeze is a Betty White fan. I mean, who isn’t?” said Gareth Edmondson-Jones, Director of Corporate Communications. “Breeze will be donating to Islip’s Animal Shelter and Adopt-a-Pet Center, as well as to animal shelters in the 17 other cities we serve. It’s wonderful that Betty’s lifelong service to animals continues even after her passing.”
There are 26 cats and 52 dogs, including Noah and Allie, adorable Jack Russell mixed breed siblings, up for adoption at the Islip shelter.
The town shelter in Huntington is also participating in the challenge.
The beloved "Golden Girls" actor died in her Los Angeles home on Dec. 31 at the age of 99 as a result of a stroke she had suffered six days before her death.
Related
Related
Related
Related
Related
