WATCH: County Executive Steve Bellone Takes Ice-Bucket Challenge

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone took the ice-bucket challenge on Sunday, Aug. 17 to support the ALS Association.

Nominated by Town of Islip Supervisor Tom Croci, Bellone gamely dumped a large bucket of ice water on his head while two of his children poured their own buckets of ice onto his head.

Thousands of people, including celebrities like Bill Gates, Oprah and Jimmy Fallon have had icy water dumped on them in the name of the ALS Association. Many, including the County Executive, are also writing $100 checks to the organization.

“We all can’t lose sight of the fact that this campaign has made a tremendous impact toward funding research, providing patient services and promoting awareness about ALS,” Bellone said. “ALS Association reports a 1,000% spike in donations since the campaign started and I am proud to also contribute to the cause.”

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease. The ALS Association estimates that as many as 30,000 Americans may suffer from the disease at any given time.

Bellone nominated Congressman Steve Israel, Southampton Supervisor Anne Throne-Holst and the entire Stony Brook University football team to take the fundraising challenge.

To donate to the ALS Association, visit their website.