Christ Yoder
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CINCINNATI — Monday, January 17 would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. Many fans of the late Ohio TV and movie star are celebrating in a meaningful way by donating to a cause close to his heart.
What do you want to know
- Cincinnati Animal Care is Hamilton County’s only admission and non-disposal shelter
- In 2021, he welcomed more dogs but not enough adopters
- Because of Betty White’s love for animals, people are encouraged to donate money to animal shelters through the Betty White Challenge
- The challenge will be on January 17, which would have been his 100th birthday
Ray Anderson is the Community Relations Manager at Cincinnati Animal CARE – Hamilton County’s only foster and no-slaughter shelter.
“I’ve been an animal lover forever,” Anderson said. “I’ve had animals all my life. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, but I don’t have the scientific knowledge to be a veterinarian or anything like that.
In 2020, Cincinnati Animal CARE replaced the former location of the Cincinnati Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. That year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to cull most of the animals.
But in 2021, the organization welcomed 7,500 dogs, more than 1,000 more than the annual average.
“We got a lot more than we would have liked in 2021, and not as many outgoing as incoming, so we’re still facing capacity issues here,” he said.
That’s why they need help.
Anderson said any adoptions or donations would be great at this time. Donations will help provide dogs with more food and other essentials.
He hopes the Betty White Challenge will help encourage others to donate.
“I have five pets at home,” he said. “I have a full house. If you can’t adopt, what you can do is donate or provide supplies, resources, things like that to help the shelter.
In an effort to promote the Betty White Challenge, Cincinnati Animal CARE has partnered with Cincy Shirts to create “Stay Golden” t-shirts. Every $5 donation will be used to help the animals in the shelter.
“Through social media, more people are hearing about it, more people want to learn about their local animal shelters, they’re going to find out we’re there and the help we need,” he said.
Anderson said they’ve seen an increase in donations since White’s passing, and he hopes to not only raise more money for the animals, but also raise awareness for the work they do at the shelter.
“If the memory of Betty White can lead more people to realize that we are here and have dogs for adoption, we hope you will come see us,” he said.
