Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilmen Terence McSweeney and DuWayne Gregory recently gathered with Animal Shelter Director Chris Elton and the Town’s companion dog Trigger to celebrate the amazing outcome of the Betty White challenge.
As a result of the challenge, The Town of Babylon Animal Shelter received nearly $5,000 in checks and a substantial amount of goods donated. Animal shelters across Long Island raised thousands of dollars in this celebratory fundraising campaign created through social media. It’s been reported that the challenge raised close to $99,000 in donations on Long Island and $12.7 million across the country.
Iconic actress Betty White passed away just weeks before her milestone 100th birthday, and as a result people on social media wanted to celebrate her and her love of helping animals in need. The Betty White Challenge was created to celebrate her 100th birthday by asking people to donate to an animal shelter of their choice on January 19th.
“Thanks to the Betty White Challenge, the Babylon Animal Shelter took in so many donations in such a short period of time, we were amazed and overjoyed. We received chew toys, leashes, collars, dog food, cat food, treats for dogs, treats for cats, beds for all and so much more. In addition we received nearly $5,000 in checks and gift certificates all of which will go toward the care of the cats and dogs of Babylon,” said Animal Shelter Director Chris Elton.
“On behalf of the Babylon Town Board and all of our friends at the Animal Shelter, thank you to the residents of Babylon who once again demonstrated their tremendous generosity by participating in this historical challenge in memory of Betty White,” added Supervisor Rich Schaffer.
Photo Left to Right: Supervisor Rich Schaffer; Councilman Terence McSweeney; Trigger, the Town of Babylon companion dog; Councilman DuWayne Gregory and Animal Shelter Director Chris Elton