New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is getting in on a frigid new internet challenge.
The Republican posted a video to his Facebook page on Tuesday showing his children dumping a bucket of ice water over himself to raise awareness for ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Standing in pink shorts, a grey T-shirt and sandals, Christie accepted the “ice bucket challenge” from Scott O’Neil, the CEO of the New Jersey Devils. Before his two youngest kids, Bridget and Patrick dump the water over their father’s head, Christie announced in the video that he was nominating Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to take the “ice bucket challenge” next.
The social media fundraiser was started by a man in Massachusetts who has been diagnosed with ALS. Since it began a month ago, hundreds have taken part of the cause in which participants pour ice water over their heads and challenge a friend to do the same within 24 hours. If the challenge is not met (you’re supposed to post the video as proof on social media), participants are asked to make a $100 donation to an ALS charity.
The ALS Foundation has reported raising $4 million since July 29 because of the viral fundraiser. President Obama was challenged to participate by Ethel Kennedy, the 86-year-old widow of Robert Kennedy, but he declined. “The president appreciates Mrs. Kennedy thinking of him for the challenge – though his contribution to this effort will be monetary. The president will be making a donation to an ALS charity this week,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said earlier this week. Christie, who chairs the Republican Governors Association, is making campaign stops in Alabama and Mississippi on Wednesday on behalf of Govs. Robert Bentley and Phil Bryant, who are both up for re-election in 2014.Recommended
