Florida ALS Group Gets Ice Bucket Challenge Boost
ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — Raising awareness for ALS with the Ice Bucket Challenge has been a trend that's captivated the country in recent weeks.
The Florida chapter of the ALS Association has seen its donations more than double from the same time period last year thanks to the viral Ice Bucket Challenge campaign.
Spokeswoman Alissa Gutierrez said that between July 22 and Aug. 14 the Florida chapter raised $63,664, compared to $27,517 in 2013.
The challenge became a viral sensation in the last couple weeks. Once "challenged," a person has 24 hours to pour a bucket of ice water over their head, or make a donation to an ALS charity. The Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers have all participated.
Nationally, the ALS Association has received $9.5 million in donations compared to $1.6 million during the same period last year.
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