On January 17, 2022 the #BettyWhiteChallenge took the internet by storm. Even though it took the internet by storm, many teens and younger kids didn’t ever see the hashtag because it was never strong enough to reach the main media because younger kids didn’t know who Betty White is and/or they didn’t have money to participate in the challenge.

The American actor Betty White obviously influenced this challenge. Older people may know her from the show, “The Golden Girls” which aired from 1985 to 1992 or teens may know her as one of the voice actors from, “The Lorax” which first hit screens in 2012. Sadly Betty White died close to her 100th birthday on December 31, 2021.

Instead of people mourning Betty White and being down on her birthday, people decided to start a hashtag campaign. When Betty was alive she loved animals and made it very known to her devoted fans. She would adopt and care for dogs and cats and donate to numerous charities, organizations, and shelters. So for Bettys 100th birthday people started the challenge to get donations as her birthday gift. “Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, confirmed Friday that viral fundraising efforts across the social media platforms netted $12.7 million in the actor’s memory.” said Variety. 

It’s so heartwarming to know that even though the iconic actress and activist died that people are able to still carry on her impact. This really is a wonderful feel good story and that’s why it needs to be shared during times like this when so many people are in need of a pick me up story.