Funks honor Betty White’s legacy with humane society contribution

Dory Funk Jr. and Marti Funk, feed treats to “Canoli,” an adoptable dog, as they talk with Eddie Leedy, the executive director, second from right, and Mary Wrye-Rutt, the financial director, right, as the Funks visit with adoptable dogs and cats at the Humane Society of Marion County in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. Dory Funk Jr. and Marti Funk made a sizable donation to the Humane Society of Marion County on Monday during the Betty White Challenge, which was done nationwide to honor the late White on what would have been her 100th birthday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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Posted January 21, 2022 | By Joel Bronson

joel@ocalagazette.com

Betty White was not only a beloved actress and pop culture icon, but also a lover of animals and one of their biggest advocates. In one example of White’s philanthropy, it is estimated that she raised roughly $1 million for animal rescue and rehabilitation programs in Australia after devastating wildfires destroyed sensitive animal habitats.

The outpouring of love and adoration for White launched a social media movement known as the Betty White Challenge. Many fans and animal advocates took to social media to encourage fans to donate $5 to their local animal shelters in honor of White’s 100^th birthday on January 17^th.

Dory Funk, Jr. and his wife, Marti, accepted the challenge.

Dory is a legend in the professional wrestling world, having held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for over four years. Funk also spent much of his career in Japan wrestling for All Japan Pro Wrestling for over twenty years.

The Funks operate the Funking Conservatory, a wrestling school for prospects to train and learn the art of becoming a professional wrestler.

Some of Funk’s prominent students include WWE legends Mark Henry, Lita, Kurt Angle, and Edge.

The Funks visited the Humane Society of Marion County on Monday to spend time with the shelter’s animals and donate in Betty White’s memory.

The Humane Society of Marion County is a non-profit, no-kill shelter dedicated to the care and protection of animals.

Dory and Marti visited with staff and animals alike, sharing treats with the dogs and hugs with old friends.

“We love dogs, we love cats, we love all animals,” Dory exclaimed.

“We wanted to make a contribution in memory of Betty White and all the hard work she did for animals all over the world,” Marti said.

The Funks adopted two dogs, Mary, a Yorkie mix, and Milton, a Dachsund mix, from the Humane Society of Marion County roughly a year ago and the two have become loved members of the Funk family.

“Miss Mary is the boss, she has such personality,” Marti shared.

Eddie Leedy, executive director for the shelter, was pleasantly surprised with the turnout from the social media movement.

“We have been pleased with the turnout. The Humane Society has received so many donations today,” Leedy shared.

If you would like more information about the Marion County Humane Society, you may visit the shelter at 701 NW 14^th Road in Ocala or visit http://thehsmc.org/.