Gov. Baker Creates 'Ice Bucket Challenge Week' To Honor Frates Family

BOSTON, MA – In honor of Pete Frates' contribution in creating the Ice Bucket Challenge and raising more than $100 million the ALS Association, Gov. Charlie Baker has officially created "Ice Bucket Challenge Week."

Baker signed the proclamation on Tuesday, Aug. 1 – now officially the first day of the Ice Bucket Challenge Week in Massachusetts – to honor Frates and his family. Frates founded the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, sparking a viral sensation and a rush of donations to the ALS Association.

The challenge, which asked people to either donate to ALS research organization or dump a bucket of ice water over their heads, created more than 2 million videos on social media, according to the governor's proclamation.

Frates, a Beverly native, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2012 at age 27. Baker tweeted a photo of the bill after signing it on Tuesday. The bill urges people to "take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance." Bring on the ice water!

Image via Mass. Governor's Office