ARS Accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media across the country this summer. Ordinary people, companies, celebrities, and even politicians were involved in raising awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a devastating disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and severely hinders voluntary muscle movement. There is so much research to be done to find a cure for this complex disease, and the Ice Bucket Challenge raised some much needed awareness and funding.
We had several of our branches participate and challenged their counterparts from within the company, including Blue Dot of Maryland, ARS of Virginia, and ARS of Maryland who got their employees involved in the challenge. Mark Cheben and his team went above and beyond by using a bulldozer to dump the ice instead of the typical buckets. John Conway, of Conway Services in Memphis, and Jim Papasodero, of ARS of Boston, also braved the buckets of ice water. The Brothers Management Team in Rock Hill, SC produced a video that had a funny twist at the end. There were several people who got together by the pond at the Corporate Office in Memphis to get ice water dumped by Tom Toth, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager for Texas. Tom DeSantis, Divisional Sales and Marketing for East, got the biggest bucket of all. Even our executive team, including Dave Slott, Jim McMahon, and Scott Kacic participated. We not only participated in the challenge but also donated to this worthy cause.
The ALS association stated that due to this challenge, they raised an incredible $88.5 million nationwide from nearly two million donors in only 29 days. That’s simply unprecedented for non-profit organizations. Thanks to everyone for being such good sports! To see any of these videos or pictures, visit our Facebook page.
