Church answers "ice bucket challenge'

On Sunday, August 17, 15 members and friends of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness about ALS (amylotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

This spur-of-the-moment challenge went out just 24 hours before the church service. The laugh-filled event raised $750. More church members plan to send donations, with application in process for matching funds. The church will repeat the challenge over coming Sundays for anyone who was not present, or brave, this week.

The nationwide trend has resulted in a movement that has raised $9 million. The fundraiser asks that anyone who refuses to participate (by having a bucket of ice water poured over his or her head) donate $100 to ALS. Those who do participate get to challenge someone. Video posts are rampant with dousing scenes and challenges, a media-sharing action requested by the ALS Foundation.

Everyone who took the challenge at the church also donated to the fundraiser.

Celebrities (such as Justin Timberlake), business moguls (Mark Zuckerberg), media stars, government officials and professional athletes (including entire teams) have taken the challenge.

For information about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, call Carmen Hull, 541-549-6152 or visit the ALS website at www.als.org.