Friends of Pete Frates, a Boston College baseball star was the inspiration behind the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. His tireless efforts and support by family and friends made the viral sensation organic. It wasn’t a marketing strategy created by the organization, it was driven by people that were passionate about finding a cure for a disease that has no cure.

Anyone can do this, no matter your age, your height, where you live, what you do for a living. There are no barriers. You just grab a bucket, some water, some ice, video tape yourself and post it. If you follow social media, you undoubtedly will see a friend or follower accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge. The community effect of the Ice Bucket Challenge is real and something we can all relate to.

In the Ice Bucket Challenge, you get wet, you donate money, and you nominate three other individuals who are also expected to complete the challenge. This is strategy that embraces two key components that makes a fundraiser a success – awareness and donation of dollars to the organization.