Yonkers Event Relaunches ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

YONKERS, N.Y. -- ‎ Local and state officials were among 700 people who gathered earlier this week in Yonkers to relaunch the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

From left, Assembly member Shelley Mayer, Empire City Casino public affairs director Taryn Duffy, Yonkers Council President Liam McLoughlin, Jenn Quinn (Pats wife), Pat Quinn, Mayor Mike Spano attended the relaunch of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Photo Credit: *Contibuted*

A crowd of 700 was on hand to take part in the relaunch of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Sunday, at Empire City Casino, including founder Pat Quinn.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Robert Mikulak

08/05/2015 11:00 a.m.

Those in attendance on Sunday at Yonkers Raceway included Pat Quinn, co-founder of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; City Council President Liam McLaughlin; Assembly member Shelly Mayer; and Empire City Casino public affairs director Taryn Duffy.

In August 2014, ‎Quinn, a Yonkers, resident, and Pete Frates, of Boston, both ALS patients, co-founded the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The effort became a global phenomenon with more than 17 million videos of people taking the challenge being posted on Facebook last year.

Quinn led participants Sunday in a simultaneous ice bucket challenge to reignite the viral social media movement during August to benefit ALS research. To participate, a person dumps a bucket of ice and water over his or her head, challenging three friends to either do the same, donate to the ALS charity of their choice, or both.

Quinn, 32, was diagnosed with ALS in March 2013.

To date, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has generated more than $220 million in donations for ALS-oriented nonprofits. Many of those donations have been invested or allocated to support new ALS research efforts, increased advocacy, and expanded and improved local care and services for people diagnosed with ALS, their families, and care providers.

“Pat Quinn’s fight and determination to combat this horrible disease has been nothing short of inspirational,” said Spano. “With Pat as our fearless leader, the city of Yonkers hopes to recharge the energy we all felt last summer as part of the Ice Bucket Challenge.”

“We are excited and proud to be involved in such an important effort,” said Tim Rooney, president and CEO of Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. “Having lost my uncle, Father Silas Rooney, to this disease my family is all too familiar with its devastating effects. Efforts to raise awareness and research funds are vital and must continue.”

For more information, visit www.yonkersny.gov, www.quinn4thewin.com and www.facebook.com/Quinnforthewin.

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