Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz and staff wrapped up their week Friday afternoon by taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, issued to the Port of Savannah by the Port of Brunswick.
Foltz and 15 other GPA staffers raised $1,800 for the privilege of being doused with freezing water and ice. Before they were even dry, they challenged Trip Tollison and the staff at Savannah Economic Development Authority to join them in raising money and awareness for ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In the last month or so, the “Ice Bucket Challenge” phenomenon has swept the globe, putting a spotlight on the debilitating and eventually fatal disease for which there is still no cure.
Savannahians have embraced the challenge, with everyone from Mayor Edna Jackson to celebrity chef Paula Deen, local businesses from JCB Inc. to Back in the Day Bakery, and nearly every area college and university stepping up.
As of Monday, the ALS Association had received more than $110 million in donations from people all over the world, according to Sarah Embro, executive director of the Georgia Chapter of the ALS Association.
“The amount of awareness that has been raised for ALS is absolutely incredible,” Embro said. “For all of us fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease, this feels like a dream. The hope that this phenomenon has provided for those living with ALS and their families is priceless.”