Red Cross to Honor Betty White at Santa Monica Fundraiser

The Betty White "revival" will continue in Santa Monica on Saturday night when the Red Cross bestows her with the Crystal Cross Award. The honor, which White will receive for her animal-activism efforts, follows the veteran actress' recent appearances in a Super Bowl ad and on TV's Saturday Night Live, Community and 30 Rock.

White will receive the award at the 's Red Tie Affair, an annual fundraiser that is taking place at the .

"Providing comfort and care for animals during major disaster is a growing concern for the American Red Cross," the organization said in a statement. "White, with her lifelong advocacy of caring for animals, is the consummate embodiment of this new and exciting venture, and an inspiration to everyone at the American Red Cross."

The Red Cross' Santa Monica chapter is heading up the formation of a nationwide program that will facilitate aid and shelter for animals during emergencies. Through the program, the public will be invited to take CPR and First Aid classes for pets as well.

Also at the Red Tie Affair, actor Josh Duhamel—who is a Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member—will receive the Red Cross Spirit Award for his recent participation in the Red Cross' in Santa Monica. Money donated by the celebrities, in addition to other cash donations and the sale of beach-run T-shirts, amounted to $150,000 raised for .

Finally, a team of Saint John's Health Center doctors who helped with relief efforts in Haiti in 2010 will be honored with the Rick Crocker Spirit of Volunteerism Award.

The Red Tie Affair will be emceed by Fox 11 News anchor Christine Devine for the fourth year in the row. Celebrity chef Nick Stellino will supervise food preparation, while singer Romina Arena will perform. More than 450 people—including National American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern—are expected to attend the gala.

For tickets, call Marcia Caldirola at 310.445.2674 or the Santa Monica Red Cross at 310.394.3773, or go to RedCrosssofSantaMonica.org.