The Secret to a Long Life
Our Betty White story first began in 2012 when she revealed to People Magazine that she considered eating Red Vines key to her long and vibrant life (we can neither confirm nor deny the validity of this claim… but we appreciate it nonetheless!).
A few years later, the Red Vines brand partnered with artist Jason Mecier to create the pictured portrait of Betty, made out of actual Red Vines candy! This delicious creation was gifted to Betty for her 94th birthday, for which she sent along her kind thanks and appreciation.
Since then, we have watched and marveled alongside all her other fans as she delighted us with her humor and gave her favorite Red Vines candy a kind kudos from time to time.
Thank You for Being a Friend, Betty
The Red Vines brand was able to participate in the hometown tribute to Betty, which took place on January 15, 2022 in Oak Park, Illinois. This brilliant memorial celebrated all that was beloved about Betty, and in particular, her kindness.
Pictured: Dedicated fans bear the cold to take a few photos with Betty and her favorite Red Vines candy. Photos courtesy of Sue Gill
The Red Vines brand is all about small acts of kindness, driven by a purpose of sharing Peace, Love & Vines. Kristi Shafer, VP of Marketing at American Licorice Co., shared that Betty embodied exactly what the Red Vines Peace, Love & Vines message is all about: “It’s all about kindness. It’s about helping people and paying it forward. Sharing your life, sharing what you have with others… And all we’ve ever heard is what a wonderful, kind, thoughtful, inclusive individual [Betty] was. I just feel she embodies what every pillar of the message is about.”
Peace, Love & Vines… and Pets!
Betty extended her kindness in many ways, especially toward our fine, furry friends. “She was really well known for her love of animals,” says Clint Christensen, Red Vines Product Manager. “She served as a trustee, vice president, and president for Morris Animal Foundation that donates to animal welfare and does a lot of work in that space. So, she embodied kindness towards animals and people, but also encouraged people to be active themselves.”
And in that spirit, we hope that readers will share a little Peace, Love & Vines with an animal shelter in your area. Consider donating, volunteering, or adopting an animal in need of love and care. Visit animalshelter.org to find a shelter near you and take a moment to be like Betty.
For more inspiring candy artwork like the Red Vines Betty White portrait above, visit Jason’s Licorice Flix gallery!
