#IceBucketChallenge update

In my last post about the ice bucket challenge I was annoyed and cynical. I was tired of people dumping buckets of ice water on their head as more of a dare than a challenge to raise money for ALS. It seemed the challenges had gotten out of hand, and the real reason behind the stunt was lost.

I don't think I am the only one who felt like this, by far. This week I am seeing a turn in the tide of challenge videos. Now, those who are challenged are actually making donations themselves and then dumping the bucket. They are challenging others to do both donate and help spread awareness.

When I was challenged I went on social media and declared that I would do the challenge if five friends donated money. Well, five friends didn't donate for my ice bucket dumping, but I was overwhelmed when two people donated $50 each. I underestimated the good works and deeds of my friends, thinking instead that my donation challenge would just go by without action. I ended up raising more than $100, with my donation included.


Since those who donated are part of the Indy Badger alumni group I belong to, I decided I would elicit their help to dump the ice water and film me. However, they have big hearts and wanted to get involved too. Four of us dumped the water and we challenged other Wisconsin Alumi Association chapters and WAA staff to take the challenge themselves, both donating and dumping buckets. So far, one chapter has accepted this challenge. I sincerely hope that our groups will be able to raise more money and gain the interest of more people this way.

Donate now at http://www.alsa.org/donate/