Officials of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) have expressed their sadness by the passing of Betty White, American actress and activist. White was a friend to animals and worked closely with spcaLA to promote their humane treatment since the 1940s. “Betty and I would joke that she would outlive us all,” Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA president said. “She was inspired to lend her celebrity to provide a voice for animals, and brought much attention to the cause of animal welfare. We will miss our Friend for Life.” Bernstein met White in the 1990s, when Bernstein took the lead of spcaLA as president. In the years that followed, White participated in spcaLA telethons raising money to extend programs and services, voiced public service announcements (PSAs) to educate the community, and fundraised to build the spcaLA PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center in Long Beach, which has provided adoption and enrichment services for thousands of homeless animals since it opened in 2001. White’s legacy will continue in spcaLA’s work to fulfill its mission of preventing cruelty to animals through intervention, law enforcement, education and advocacy, officials said. Those interested in making a donation in Betty White’s honor may do so at spcaLA.com/donate. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Ana Bustilloz at 323-707-1271 or by email at abustilloz@spcaLA. com.