January 12th, 2022 – Monday, January 17th, 2022, would have been beloved actress and animal rights activist Betty White’s 100th birthday. To honor her memory and dedication to animal rights, the Town of Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet-Center is participating in the “Betty White Challenge.”

WATCH NOW: Islip Animal Shelter Celebrates Betty White's 100th Birthday with Betty White Challenge

The challenge went viral on social media in early January, after a viewer’s post appeared on Dogspotting Society’s Facebook page, calling for a $5 donation to any animal shelter or animal rescue organization in honor of her 100th birthday, January 17th.

The Town of Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center is inviting residents interested in making a donation in Betty White’s name to either mail $5 to the Animal Shelter, or choose from one of the items available on the shelter’s Amazon Wish List. All items purchased from the Wish List ship for FREE to the Islip Animal Shelter. Monetary donations to the Shelter will be used to purchase bedding, toys, food and other animal necessities.

“Throughout her eight-decade career, Betty White not only won the hearts of millions with her endearing charm and wit, but she also gave generously to causes promoting the well-being of all animals, including many endangered species, and helped in the conservation of wildlife habitats. Her memory will live on through residents’ acts of kindness,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

The first donation received by the Town of Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center was from Breeze Airways, a new airline partner with Town of Islip's Long Island MacArthur Airport. The airline, recently launched by Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, announced nonstop service from Long Island MacArthur Airport beginning Thursday, February 17th to Norfolk, Virginia and beginning Friday, February 18th to Charleston, South Carolina. Breeze Airways offers "seriously nice" fares as low as $39, and a user-friendly app that allows travelers to modify their itineraries penalty free.

“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.”

Residents interested in purchasing an item from the Islip Animal Shelter Amazon Wish List can do so here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VJHWPUIHAZE2?ref. Items are listed in 5 subcategories: Daily Supplements; Flea Prevention; Food We Feed; Small Animal Products; Things We Always Need, and Things We Would Like.

Donations of $5 can be mailed to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter, 200 South Technology Drive, Central Islip, NY 11722. Please indicate “Betty White Challenge” with your donation.

The Animal Shelter has cats, dogs and small animals looking for forever homes. If you are interested in adopting one of the loving animals at the shelter, please call (631) 224-5660 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment. Adoptions are by appointment only.