By now, everyone has heard about the Ice Bucket Challenge.  There are videos all over social media sites and everyone seems to have their own reasons for taking part in the challenge to raise money for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). If you are called out to do the challenge you have a choice; to simply pour a bucket of ice water over your head and donate $10 or don’t and donate $100. Many people know someone who has been diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder and some are just helping out a great cause while having fun along the way.

According to the ALS Association website (ALS.org), as of August 2014, $115 million has been raised. Over $100 million was raised in the months of July and August alone – compared to $4 million raised during this same time last summer. The ALS Board of Trustees sent out a statement ensuring us that all of the donations will be going directly to help with “research and other activities that will accelerate the development of treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS.” It is clearly outlined that the foundation understands that it has a “tremendous responsibility as stewards of these donated dollars and that they fully understand that the public expectation is to act swiftly but with good judgment.”

Junior Derek Gately completed the challenge and said that he did it for his grandfather. “Although I do not have ALS – I do have a disease that limits my mobility like many people afflicted with ALS,” said Gately.