Bellone Takes the Ice-Bucket Challenge

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone took the ice bucket challenge Sunday, Aug. 17, to support the ALS Association.

He was nominated to join the fundraising effort by Town of Islip Supervisor Tom Croci. The County Executive dumped a large bucket of ice water on his head, while two of his children contributed by pouring their own buckets of water onto his head.

Thousands of people, including such celebrities as Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Fallon, have had buckets of icy water dumped on them in a bid to raise funds for the ALS Association. Many, including the County Executive, are also writing $100 checks to the organization.

“We all can’t lose sight of the fact that this campaign has made a tremendous impact toward funding research, providing patient services and promoting awareness about ALS,” the County Executive said.. “ALS Association reports a 1,000% spike in donations since the campaign started and I am proud to also contribute to the cause.”

The County Executive in turn challenged Congressman Steve Israel, Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst and the entire Stony Brook University football team to take the fundraising challenge.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease. The ALS Association estimates that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

To donate to the ALS Association, go to http://www.als-ny.org/

For more news about Suffolk County, go to facebook.com/stevebellone