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In an announcement made on Thursday by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, an uptick in volunteer applications and major donor interest has been provoked by the late Betty White, being referred to as the 'Betty White Effect’. White passed away on December 31st, just a couple of weeks before her 100th birthday.
Alongside her reputation for being a beloved actress and comedian, Betty was a trustee, donor and honorary zookeeper at the zoo.
“Betty had a lifelong passion for animals and believed deeply in the importance of zoos and our mission of species conservation and offering people the ability to see animals from around the world,” shared Los Angeles Zoo Director and CEO Denice Verret. “She was a special person who used her influence, humor and generosity to make the world a better place and she would be so gratified to see her legacy living on through this outpouring of support.”
More than 2,400 individual donations from 49 different states and 11 countries combined for the $243,286, according to GLAZA. Donors include The Walt Disney Company, Pink’s Hot Dogs (her favorite!), Madame Tussaud Hollywood and the Holy Name School in San Francisco.
In January alone, the zoo received 56 applications for volunteers, one of the largest groups of new applicants in recent history, GLAZA shares. “We spent last month celebrating Betty’s life and her impact on the animal world, but we now want to take the time to thank all of her fans who made gifts in her memory,” said Tom Jacobson, President of GLAZA. “We are humbled by the messages left online and at her tribute garden, the generous donations inspired by the Betty White Challenge and the scores of people who applied to become volunteers at the zoo.”
The Betty White Challenge took place on Monday, January 17th, on what would have been Betty’s 100th birthday. Sweeping across social media, the challenge encourages fans to donate $5 to animals rescues or shelters in her name.
“It’s wonderful to see Betty’s legacy move people to get involved, just like she did, and while we know there will never be another Betty White, we look forward to welcoming those who share her passion for animals, their care and wildlife conservation to the L.A. Zoo.”