The ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) “Ice Bucket Challenge” took over social media outlets this summer. Participants who were called out by their friends had 24 hours to complete the challenge themselves or make a monetary donation to the ALS Association.
The challenge has helped the ALS Association raise over $98.2 million to try to combat the deadly disease, according to a report by BBC News.
Ryan Gasser, Sports Information Director at Capital, has seen the success of the ALS ice bucket challenge and is launching Capital University’s own “Chillin’ for Charity” campaign.
Members of Capital University are invited to challenge other members of the “CapFam” to perform their own ice bucket challenge to help raise donations for Special Olympics Ohio.
Gasser has hopes that this movement will bring the campus together to support a great cause.
I want this challenge to build a real sense of community for the members of Capital,”Gasser said. “I really would like this to be a campus-wide effort, with everyone calling out their friends and teammates around Capital.”
Along with having 100 percent of the donations going toward Special Olympics Ohio, Gasser has invited everyone associated with Special Olympics Ohio to attend Bernlohr Stadium Oct. 18 when Capital takes on Ohio Northern.
Attendees associated with Special Olympics Ohio will be granted free admission to the game.
“With there already being an established connection between Division III and the Special Olympics, this challenge is a great way to raise awareness for a great organization,” said Gasser.
At the game, Capital Athletics will be selling NCAA Special Olympics tee shirts with all revenue going back to Special Olympics Ohio. The halftime show will feature a video of all the completed challenges to accompany the presentation of a check to Special Olympics Ohio.
Gasser is keeping track of the Cap Family members who have completed the challenge and those who have been nominated.
“I’m really excited to see the whole university come together,” said Gasser, “It will be amazing to see the collection of all the participants on Oct. 18.”
This is Gasser’s first major project as director of sports information at Capital. He was most recently at Kenyon College after his time at King College. He received his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green.
To follow up on Capital University’s “Chillin’ for Charity,” use the hashtag, #CapC4C. Those interested in donating under the “Chillin’ for Charity” name can visit the Capital Athletics website’s online storefront.
