ALS ice bucket challenge has gone viral in such a big way that other fundraising groups are paying notice while pondering their next moves. so have social media with posting on Facebook and Twitter along with other site reaching astronomically viral levels

For those living on a deserted island away from everything, the ice bucket challenge raising money for the ALS Association fighting what's popularly known as Lou Gehrig's disease consisting of dumping ice water over a person's head has turned into a pretty cool idea.

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The ALS Association has raised more than $13 million in the last month, up nearly $2 million over the same time last year. The group also has gotten the equivalent of 260,000 new donors in that period. That's all attributable to the ice cold water pouring atop people's heads. It's also turning heads in the philanthropy and fundraising world turning a stunt into a sensation.

The ice bucket-challenged then challenge someone else to do it. They can go all ice watery or contribute $100 to the ALS Association to fight the horrible disease. Of course, many are doing both and donating even more money and time.

To cap it off, the ice bucket challenge has become an internationally trending activity with celebrities and sports stars from around the world participating. Oprah Winfrey has gone all ice cold and water bothered. So have Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ethel Kennedy, Peyton Manning, LeBron James, The Philadelphia Eagles and many, many others.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease known as Lou Gehrig's disease due to its affliction of the New York Yankees star 75 years ago. A modern face on the disease by former NFL standouts O.j. Brigance and Steve Gleason has sparked renewed interest in the disease that seems to be growing in numbers of cases in recent years.

The challenge started in relation to Pete Frates who can't speak or move due to the disease. The former Boston College baseball star got the idea online from another disease victim, Patrick Quinn of Yonkers, N.Y.. The first challenge was staged on July 29.

The challenge has increased ALS fundraising by more than 11 times causing other groups to look for a new viral sensation to call their own.

Perhaps in jest, a Forbes columnist even suggested such stunts as a no-selfie challenge, a "Frozen" challnge with videos of kids singing their favorite show from the animated movie and a romantic blowing hair in the wind video challenge.

Tagsice bucket challenge, als, lou gehrig's disease, Charity, Fundraising