The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Announces $243,286 Raised and an Uptick in Volunteer Applications and Donor Interest in Honor of Betty White
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), the non-profit organization which supports the Los Angeles Zoo through fundraising, marketing, membership, an award-winning volunteer program, and more, reports an outpouring of support from the community, not just in dollars, but in volunteer applications and major donor interest. In total, $243,286 was raised through a combination of individual, corporate, and GLAZA trustees. The funds received from donations will support the care and welfare of the animals, ensuring that they thrive here at the L.A. Zoo.
“Betty had a lifelong passion for animals and believed deeply in the importance of zoos and our mission of species conservation and offering people the ability to see animals from around the world,” states CEO and Zoo Director Denise Verret. “She was a special person who used her influence, humor, and generosity to make the world a better place and she would be so gratified to see her legacy living on through this outpouring of support.”
Since White’s passing on Dec. 31, 2021, GLAZA received more than 2,400 donations from 49 states and 11 countries. In addition to individuals, The Walt Disney Company, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Madame Tussaud Hollywood, and the Holy Name School in San Francisco donated in her honor. GLAZA also received 56 applicants for volunteer positions in January, making it among the largest groups of new applicants in recent history.
“We spent last month celebrating Betty’s life and her impact on the animal world, but we now want to take the time to thank all of her fans who made gifts in her memory,” states GLAZA President Tom Jacobson. “We are humbled by the messages left online and at her tribute garden, the generous donations inspired by the Betty White Challenge, and the scores of people who applied to become volunteers at the Zoo,” he goes on to say. “It’s wonderful to see Betty’s legacy move people to get involved, just like she did, and while we know there will never be another Betty White, we look forward to welcoming those who share her passion for animals, their care, and wildlife conservation to the L.A. Zoo.”