FAIRMONT– On Monday of this week, many people across the country took part in the “Betty White Challenge,” which called on individuals to donate money to animal shelters in honor of the late celebrity on what would be her 100th birthday. The Martin County Humane Society took part in the challenge and ended up raising over $7,300.

Cindilee Connor, president of the Martin County Humane Society, said after learning about the challenge, they began posting about it on the Humane Society’s Facebook page, encouraging people to participate.

“On the date of, on the 17th, is when we started the fundraising part,” Connor said.

She said they tried to post updates throughout the day to let people know where they were at. Connor shared that they originally had a goal of raising $1,000.

“We surpassed that in a couple of hours. It was a nice surprise,” she said.

Donations have continued to trickle in and Connor said she knows some people are mailing in donations so the overall total will continue to grow in the coming days.

Connor said most of the donations were from individuals, with the majority giving $5 pledges. However, some people contributed larger donations.

As for what they’ll do with the money raised, Connor said it will go in the general funds. That covers anything from food and medication to procedures.

The Humane Society relies heavily on the generosity of others to run its operation. It holds several bake sales each year as well as a golf outing every June. It also holds the Walk for Animals event each fall which is usually successful.

There’s a rose sale coming up in February ahead of Valentine’s Day which is a big fundraiser for them. Connor said people can order a dozen roses of mixed colors for $20.

The Betty White Challenge proved to be a really successful additional fundraiser for the shelter.

“It was something different to celebrate Betty White’s life. It sounds like it was a huge success all across the nation and we’re very grateful for it,” Connor said.