Guest of honor Betty White sat for photos with attendees and then spoke about her day at the BraveHearts farm. Her passion for animals and the work of BraveHearts was evident in her words.  Betty’s enthusiasm for BraveHearts was further demonstrated when she pledged a $25,000 donation to the organization!

Special Olympics Equestrian Tricia Sullivan kicked off the event’s Fund a Cause, saying:

“Ever since I started riding horses, I always felt like the luckiest girl in the world, because every day I kept trying to push myself to be the best at anything I put my mind to.”

Special thanks to our event partners, who helped to make the evening a success:

•    Art Girl Pottery
•    Atort Photography
•    Baltus
•    Betty White
•    Café Ba Ba Reeba
•    Chad Smits Photography
•    Idea Reel Visual Storytelling
•    Luxe Productions
•    Sayre & Jones Auctioneers
•    Metropolitan Limousine
•    Fernandez and Kimball

Past Events

BraveHearts was thrilled to welcome legendary actress Betty White to the farm on August 21, 2010. Betty came to Harvard to visit Butterscotch, the beloved pony she sponsors. The longtime animal lover spent the day meeting some of the program's students, volunteers and staff and even learned to drive a horse and carriage!

Betty's sponsorship of Butterscotch has saved his life on more than one occasion. When Butterscotch first came to BraveHearts as a donated pony, X-rays revealed that he was suffering from a very serious condition known as "founder."  This problem can be so severe and painful, that many foundered horses must be euthanized. With Betty's financial aid, BraveHearts was able to provide desperately needed veterinary and blacksmith services for Butterscotch – services that they otherwise would not have been able to afford for the ailing little pony. It took two years of intensive treatment before Butterscotch finally could walk without pain.

Approximately one year after overcoming his issues with founder, Butterscotch suddenly developed a severe case of pneumonia. Once again, it was Betty's financial support that enabled BraveHearts to provide the necessary care to pull Butterscotch through yet one more crisis.

Following her visit to the farm, Betty was the guest of honor at "A BraveHearts Night with Betty White," a fundraiser held at The University Club of Chicago.

"My life is divided exactly in half–half show business and half animal business–the two things I love the most," Betty said at the press conference preceding the fundraiser.

"A BraveHearts Night with Betty White" attracted nearly 200 attendees, who enjoyed a silent auction and dinner. Of course, the highlight of the evening was listening to Betty speak about the positive impact BraveHearts has on its students, both children and adults. The event raised awareness and significant funds for the programs and services of BraveHearts.