Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Founder Kicks Off 4th Annual In Yonkers

YONKERS, NY — Some may have viewed the Ice Bucket Challenge as a fad, but in fact the money it has generated has led to significant scientific breakthroughs. And its followers are gearing up for more.

The 2018 Yonkers ALS Ice Bucket Challenge will take place Aug. 4 at Empire City Casino. The event is open and free for all ages. Festivities include music, face painting, balloon artists and more beginning at 1 p.m. trackside, in anticipation of hundreds of participants simultaneously dumping ice-water over their heads in support of Yonkers native Pat Quinn, diagnosed with ALS and one of the co-founders of the global phenomenon.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS, a disease with no known cure, usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70. About 20,000 Americans currently suffer from the disease.

Quinn, 35, was diagnosed with ALS in March 2013. For more information on Quinn and his fight against ALS, go toQuinn4theWin.com.

The silly fundraiser was created by Quinn, Anthony Senerchia of Pelham, and Quinn's friend Peter Frates, to raise awareness and donations for ALS. Someone challenges another person to pour a bucket of ice water over their head within a 24-hour period, or donate $100 to an ALS charity.

On Wednesday, Mayor Mike Spano, along with Quinn, announced the 4th annual Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge hopes to once again be a viral social media movement throughout the month of August to benefit ALS research. The public is encouraged to pre-register online prior to the event at YonkersNY.gov.

“Pat Quinn’s fight and determination to combat this horrible disease has been so inspirational and we are proud to join him in that effort,” said Spano at the press conference. “Pat and his organization ‘Quinn For The Win’ have courageously and selflessly turned his battle with ALS into one of the most successful social media fundraising movements this world has ever seen. We encourage any and all to join us on August 4th for a great day of family fun at Empire City Casino.”

This is the fourth year the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge will take place at Empire City Casino. Empire City is donating the entire set-up and staffing, nearly 1,300 pounds of ice, entertainment and giveaways to the first 500 attendees.

“We are excited and proud to be involved in such an important effort,” said Tim Rooney, President & CEO of Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. “ALS is a devastating illness, and continuing to raise awareness and research funds is vital.”

Donations are not required to participate. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Quinn For The Win which benefits Pat Quinn’s personal care, as well as numerous non-profit ALS research organizations.

"I'm so grateful for the continued support from Mayor Mike Spano and the entire City of Yonkers," Pat Quinn said. "I'm extremely proud to know ‘Quinn For The Win’ and Yonkers continue to fight ALS together. We live by the mantra, ‘Every August Until A Cure.’ There is greater hope within the ALS community now than ever before because of the Ice Bucket Challenge, but we can't stop now. We still have no cure for ALS. Please join me August 4th at Empire City Casino to kick off the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Yonkers.”

PHOTO credit Jelena Gerga

SEE ALSO: Westchester Residents Pat Quinn and Anthony Senerchia Honored