August 30, 2014
Ice Bucket Challenge Becomes Nationwide Viral Sensation
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
For those of you who are living under rocks, both normal people and celebrities, far and wide, have been participating in the "ice bucket challenge," in which participants have icy water poured over their heads, and then donate money to The ALS Association. The participant then challenges friends to complete the same tasks. Anyone can challenge anyone; Ethel Kennedy recently took the challenge and challenged President Obama.
Donations from the ice bucket challenge hit $94.3 million, according to the recent tabulations from The ALS Association.
The ALS Association Florida Chapter spokesperson, Alissa Gutierrez, hopes the Florida organization will see an increase in donations as well. The Florida Chapter has received $50,000, compared to $21,000 during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 19).
"The ALS Association Florida Chapter is the only organization in our state solely dedicated to caring for people with Lou Gehrig's Disease," Gutierrez said. "We hope people will designate The Florida Chapter as their ALS charity of choice by going to ALSAFL.org."
The Florida Chapter is the only not-for-profit organization solely dedicated to the care of people with ALS in our state. Funds raised support patient care and programs, research to speed a cure, advocacy and awareness efforts.
The challenge became a viral sensation in the last couple weeks thanks to Pete Frates and his family. The former Boston College baseball captain, age 29, has lived with ALS since 2012. He and his family have been active fundraisers and advocates for The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter for a number of years.
To donate to The ALS Association Florida Chapter, go to ALSAFL.org.
About The ALS Association Florida Chapter
The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers care to ALS patients living in Florida and funds research to find the cause and cure for ALS. They are part of a nationwide network of local ALS Association chapters with the same vision - a world without ALS. Through care, advocacy, research, education and support, they work to empower those with ALS to live fuller lives. Every year, The ALS Association invests millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. As the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, they give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
