‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ Breaks Records but Also Prompts Controversy, Debate in California

HLN’s Christi Paul participates in the #IceBucketChallenge, a social media campaign that aims to raise awareness and money to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. (Credit: CNN)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Aug 19, 2014 / 09:56 PM PDT

Updated: Aug 19, 2014 / 09:58 PM PDT

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The simple act of dumping ice water onto one’s head has turned into one of the most viral feel-good campaigns of 2014.

More than 2 million ice bucket challenge videos featuring tech giants such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos have helped raised more than $20 million for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research and awareness since July 29.

But for some Californians stuck in an exceptional drought, watching people douse themselves with ice water flies in the face of the conservation rhetoric being stressed by state and local officials.

“#ALSIceBucketChallenge WE ARE IN a DROUGHT. imagine if everyone put this much effort for that?!? #IceBucketChallenge #ALS #droughtshaming,” wrote one Twitter user.

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