When it comes to dumping ice water on your head to help raise awareness for ALS, President Obama has opted to stay dry and make a monetary donation instead.
“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,” the White House told The Boston Globe.
Obama’s response comes after Ethel Kennedy welcomed the president to Cape Cod and tagged him in the ALS ice bucket challenge after she completed it on Sunday. “Welcome to Cape Cod, President Obama. I nominate you,” Kennedy said before dumping a bucket of ice water over her head.
While President Obama may be making a monetary donation, other politicians are getting in on the action to help raise awareness too. On Tuesday Chris Christie posted his video of pouring a bucket of ice over his head for a good cause and challenged Senator Cory Booker to do step up to the plate. Senator Lisa Murkowski jumped into a pool that was described as “30-degree water.” As per the rules of the Ice Bucket Challenge Senator Murkowski announced her nominees. “I’m going to challenge every single member of the United States Senate,” Murkowski says. “Do something. Do it right. Demonstrate your commitment to getting rid of ALS.”
The #ALSIceBucketChallenge has helped raise $4 million in donations for the ALS Association and its 38 chapters since July 29.
Abby Borovitz