• by Danielle Oster , July 9, 2024

A decade ago, during the summer of 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge was everywhere.

The viral video meme saw participants posting a video of an ice bucket being dumped over their head, and nominating the next participant, who could opt out by making a charitable donation. Initially the format involved donations to an organization of their choosing, but soon into its spread, one-time Boston College outfielder and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) advocate Peter Frates strengthened its connections to charitable organizations associated with ALS. As what became known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge spread, it went on to raise over $220 million for ALS research.

Today, the Peter Frates Family Foundation -- the charitable organization founded by Frates and his family in 2018 to provide financial assistance to ALS patients, prior to Frates’ death the following December -- announced it will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the challenge at Boston’s Fenway Park Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.

Co-sponsored by AI tech solutions provider NWN Carousel, the event, culminating with a huge Ice Bucket Challenge on the field, will feature such speakers as former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, members of the home team Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins, as well as ALS researchers and representatives.

The goal is for the campaign to generate a “remix” of the 2014 viral challenge that connects with a new generation, sparking participation with a younger generation across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

In a statement, Frates’ mother and ALS advocate Nancy Frates called the event “a great opportunity to look back at what’s been accomplished over the last decade and look forward to the hard work ahead for all of us who are committed to finally ridding the world of this devastating disease that has impacted our family and millions of others around the world.”