Marketing Campaign Kudos: #ALSIceBucketChallenge

I applaud the person and team who came up with this marketing campaign for ALS. And with that said, let me ask the question "Who knows what ALS is?" I looked it up and informed myself about the disorder and laughed a little because it seemed ironic that people are putting their brain and nerves through this shock for this particular cause.

Then I think about, "Where did this campaign originate?" I can barely drive traffic to my newest client's website but this #ALSICEBUCKETCHALLENGE has raised about $50 million. That's $50,000,000. Nice! I hope that it makes a great difference and has a positive effect on all those affected by ALS.

In result, I found this article that did some research on where the Ice Bucket Challenge (link in above paragraph) came from and how it may have become so contagious. It spread like wildfire. I'm sure the celebrity participation contributed a great deal. It's only a matter of time you are nominated as well.

I was nominated over the weekend. I will not be drenching myself with a bucket full of ice water anytime soon. Why? It's not because I want to be a party pooper. It's not that I don't believe these ALS organizations don't deserve money.  What I do believe is my money is mine and I donate both my time and money often. Why do I HAVE to contribute to this particular cause just because everyone else is? I've volunteered many times and donated to American Heart Association, Relay for Life with American Cancer Society (was on the committee twice), and of course pet related charities (ASPCA, Humane Society, PetSmart Charities). Every now and then I have donated to the March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk. This doesn't mean I can't give to other organizations or have finished giving my share. What I believe is that people shouldn't try to make me feel guilty for joining in on the fun. It's truly my lost, I'm sure. Instead this blog post, in my opinion, is my contribution. :)

Thank You to all the people who have donated money or participated in the ALS awareness! I think there were great strides made in these last few weeks and it's very inspiring. It's always great to see our community come together.