Manatee School Superintendent Takes Ice Bucket Challenge

Manatee County Schools Superintendent Rick Mills has joined the ranks of those brave enough to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

A video showing Mills getting soaked was posted to the district’s YouTube page Thursday. In addition to taking the drenching to raise awareness for the ALS Association, Mills also made a donation as did those who had the honor of hoisting the bucket over the district leader’s head.

Mills challenged anybody in the district to join the effort that raises cash and awareness for the association. ALS is a neurological disorder that affects brain cells and the spinal cord. It leads to paralysis and eventually death. An estimated 30,000 Americans suffer from the progressive disease.

Since the ice bucket challenge went viral earlier this summer, the association reports donations have surpassed $41.8 million. That’s up from the $11 million reported last week.

Mills joins the ranks of Ethel Kennedy, several Tampa Bay Bucs players, and hundreds of others across the country who have taken the challenge.

In nearby Sarasota, police plan to host their own bucket challenge. Their event, however, benefits an organization that honors the memory of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Have you taken the challenge? Tell us about it by commenting below!

Photo Credit: YouTube screenshot