Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Gina Raimondo took the ice bucket challenge Tuesday to help find a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease, calling it a "terrific, terrific cause."
The Democratic Rhode Island governor dumped a bucket of ice water over her head on the statehouse steps Tuesday.
"This is a fun activity but it's a serious disease and all the money we raise is going to help make people's lives better, which is what they deserve," she said.
House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed joined in at Raimondo's request. They said they would donate too, and, in turn, challenged other politicians and their staff members.
Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker challenged Raimondo when he was drenched in August.
The Rhode Island ALS Association participated in Tuesday's event. John Pagliarini, president of the chapter's board of directors, said he appreciated the show of concern and compassion for people affected by the neurological disease, also known as ALS.
Most of the participants wore T-shirts from the association's annual walk to defeat ALS.
Former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates and Pat Quinn started the challenge last year to raise awareness. Organizers say more than over $220 million was raised.
They launched the challenge again July 31 at Fenway Park with the Boston Red Sox.
They plan to hold it each August until a cure is found.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
