Had she not passed away a few weeks ago, long-time entertainer Betty White would have turned 100 years old on Jan. 17. A life-long advocate for animals, a nationwide movement to honor her memory was started by her supporters. Dubbed #Betty WhiteChallenge, the movement quickly spread on social media and encouraged everyone so inclined to donate $5 or $10 to an animal welfare organization in her memory. It is an opportunity for those unable to adopt or make large financial contributions to combine their smaller ones into a significant boost for the receiving groups.
Just One Generation is a Braxton county-based community non-profit that has been operating since 2013. The organization was formed to help address the severe feline overpopulation in the area. To date, over 3,500 cats have been spayed/neutered through our financial assistance program, and over 500 homeless cats and kittens have found homes. Sally Stewart, program director, comments, “our organization received no grants or public funds last year. We were solely dependent on the donations we received from our loyal supporters to remain open. We are the only resource for cats and kittens in need. We have made every effort to address needs throughout the county, including trap/neuter/release events for feral cats, as well as emergency intakes of sick, injured, or endangered animals who need medical care and placement assistance.” She further states that the organization is once again needing donations to remain operational in 2022. “Right now, we are working to secure grant monies to help local families spay/neuter their pets, as well as taking in multiple animals left abandoned in the winter weather. We sincerely appreciate any and all donations that come our way.”
Dr. Stewart says multiple donations in Betty White’s memory have already been received. If you would like to contribute, checks or money orders can be made payable to Just One Generation and mailed to 4397 Elk River Rd, Frametown, WV 26623. PayPal donations also accepted with the username sstewart112@ hotmail.com.