The Betty White Girl Scouts patch.Photo: Snappylogos/Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
TheGirl Scoutsare paying tribute to the life and legacy ofBetty White.
As part of their Amazing Woman of the Month Series in January, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore (GSJS) will beoffering a nationwide program to earn a commemorative patch in honor of White. The beloved actressdied at the age of 99on Dec. 31.
“We are truly saddened at Betty White’s passing, but the incredible response to the patch program is a wonderful tribute to her impact on women,” Heather Coburn, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore tells PEOPLE.
“She is a strong role model for girls — a feminist, civil rights supporter, animal activist, brilliant actress, and overall nice human being,” Coburn adds.
Each month, the series focuses on an iconic woman figure through a program that includes self-guided activities. When completed, participants earn a customized patch in honor of the woman. So far, the group has offered patches honoringShirley Chisholm,Eleanor Roosevelt, andRuth Bader Ginsburg.
Betty White.getty
Initially, 712 people signed up for the patch.
Then the belovedGolden Girlsactress died on Dec. 31, just 17 days before her 100th birthday. In the time since that day, Coburn says registration numbers have jumped to 2,059 participants coast to coast.
Registration is still currently open and anyonecan sign upfor $10. An introduction to the program will be held live on Jan. 12 from 7 - 7:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. Those who sign up after Jan. 12 will receive a link to the recorded Zoom program.
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Before her death, Whiteopened upto PEOPLE about her feelings on the 100th birthday milestone. “I’m so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age,” she said. “It’s amazing.”
“Even when she wasn’t working, I said, ‘Betty, millions of people out there are still asking for you. You’re getting your fan letters, I’m getting offers for you,'” he explained. “I don’t know if she ever embraced it, [or] really, really felt it. The extent of it. I really don’t.”
Witjas added, “Betty lived a great life and she lived a life that she chose. She was happy. Every time I told her, ‘Betty, you’re loved,’ she would look at me with a wry smile and say, ‘Really?’ I hope she knew. I think she did. It was something beyond love.”
source: people.com
