The Association Blog

In the wake of Betty White’s passing, fans and supporters are calling for donations to shelters and rescues on January 17, what would have been her 100^th birthday. Many shelters are already reporting thousands of dollars in donations. Sharon Harvey, Cleveland APL’s dynamic President & CEO, shares her thoughts on the beloved humanitarian and the challenge in her honor. 

This week, I’ve been asked to do several media interviews to recognize and celebrate the life of Betty White and comment on the Betty White Challenge. 

Personally, as a devoted fan, I grieve her loss. OMG, she made me laugh. 

Professionally, here’s my take. I’m a fundraiser and I will always be deeply grateful for any donations to the Cleveland APL for any reason. But this time is about celebrating the amazing legacy of kindness and compassion that has been inspired by Betty White. 

She supported many animal causes…. A therapeutic riding center, a guide dog charity, a wolf sanctuary, animal shelters and rescues, and more. 

For fans and members of the public who feel inspired to do something to recognize the life of this incredible woman, I am asking them to please consider donating to an animal charity. I encourage them to research animal causes that were important to Betty. Or donate to an animal cause that’s important to them in her memory. 

I’m also pretty sure that volunteering, fostering, adopting, and simply being kind would all be things that Betty White would appreciate. Most importantly, let’s all just take this moment to honor the life of an amazing woman who chose to use her voice to advocate for the value of animals in our society, and to make the world a better place for them and for us.