TV legend Betty White sadly handed away on the final day of the yr, however a problem is circulating on social media to honor the star on what would have been her one centesimal birthday.

Well-known for her position as Rose Nylund in The Golden Women, the 99-year-old handed away on December 31, simply 17 days shy of celebrating turning into a centenarian.

Followers have harnessed the facility of social media to orchestrate a becoming tribute to the late actress, a lover of animals all her life, aptly known as the #BettyWhiteChallenge.

A graphic is being broadly shared throughout Twitter, which says: "On Betty White's one centesimal birthday, January seventeenth, everybody ought to choose an area rescue or animal shelter in your space and donate simply $5 in Betty White's identify.

"Make her one centesimal birthday the motion she deserves."

One Fb consumer, Nicole Maria Eldred, seemingly took credit score for the graphic, as she wrote: "Made this graphic for the #BettyWhiteChallenge let's make Jan seventeenth one of the best day for rescue animals.

"ETA: I am the director of a rescue, whom I made the graphic for yesterday (you'll be able to try my private web page I shared the unique put up). I made a decision to share it right here to succeed in extra individuals after it gained traction on the rescue web page. I did NOT give you the problem, simply created an accessible graphic."

There are a couple of variations of the identical message, with a put up on Fb that includes a youthful White and two canine saying: "If you wish to honor Betty White, make a donation in her identify to our native animal shelter. Nothing would make her happier." This was shared 24,000 occasions.

One other Fb put up, shared practically 200,000 occasions, echoed the identical message and in addition requested followers to spare $5 in White's identify.

Freedom Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, in Michigan, shared the identical put up, whereas asking for donations, revealing $2,951 had already been raised.

White was a lifelong animal lover, along with her fondness for all issues furry, scaly and fluffy documented in her 2011 ebook Betty & Associates: My Life on the Zoo.

"My preoccupation with animals is an open secret," she wrote.

White was additionally stated to have cared for "26 canine" at one level, she advised Folks journal in 1999.

However White's love of the animal kingdom stretched far past home pets, with White closely concerned with a lot of zoos. She was even named an honorary zookeeper in 2013, by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Affiliation of Zoo Keepers.

Following her loss of life there was an outpouring admiration and gratitude for the star's tireless work as an animal advocate through the years, from numerous zoos she was affiliated with.

Her outstanding work for animals noticed her be a part of the board of trustees of the Higher Los Angeles Zoo Affiliation in 1974. That very same yr she filmed a TV particular Backstage on the Zoo, documenting the work happening there.

A press release on the web site from Tom Jacobson, president of the Higher Los Angeles Zoo Affiliation (GLAZA), stated: "We're extremely saddened by Betty's passing and provide our deepest condolences to her household and buddies as we collectively mourn the lack of a real legend, on and off the display.

"Her work with the Higher Los Angeles Zoo Affiliation spans greater than 5 many years, and we're grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals, and tireless dedication to supporting our mission."

She additionally turned an inaugural member of the Board of Zoo Commissioners, and was named as chair of the GLAZA board in 2010.

She was additionally a trustee of Morris Animal Basis, from 1971 to 2013, and took on numerous roles all through the years together with canine division president in addition to board president.

Tiffany Grunert, president/CEO of Morris Animal Basis, stated: "It's laborious to think about a world with out Betty in it. She was an incredible animal advocate who tirelessly supported the work of Morris Animal Basis to enhance the well being of animals globally.

"All of us on the Basis are mourning the lack of this wonderful girl."

The Morris Animal Basis additionally established the Betty White Wildlife Speedy response Fund in 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which was catastrophic for marine life.

At Columbus Zoo, the doorway to the Coronary heart of Africa exhibit is known as the Betty White Approach.

"Our hearts are heavy listening to of the passing of our good friend Betty White. We cherish the fond recollections of her most up-to-date go to to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium when she was our visitor of honor on the opening of the Coronary heart of Africa area in 2014 along with her pricey good friend [former director of the zoo] Jack Hanna. Betty was a beautiful particular person, a supporter of the Columbus Zoo, and a real champion for all animals. She shall be drastically missed," the zoo's employees wrote.

The household of Hanna paid tribute individually, calling White a "champion for the animal world."

Tributes have additionally poured in from celebrities to politicians, together with Jill Biden and Ryan Reynolds.

The official explanation for loss of life has but to be made public. White's agent, Jeff Witjas, advised Folks she "died peacefully in her sleep."

Chatting with Newsweek, Witjas stated he thought the problem was a "neat concept."

"My thought is Betty can be very completely satisfied that native animal shelters are being helped," he stated.

Newsweek reached out to Eldred for remark.

Betty White in New York, 2012.
Betty White pictured on the Sheraton New York Resort & Towers on Might 16, 2012. A problem is circulating on social media paying tribute to the star on what would have been her one centesimal birthday. Jim Spellman/Getty Photographs

Replace 01/05/22, 7:26 a.m. ET: This text was up to date with remark from Jeff Witjas