Polar Plunge Raises Money For Man Who Inspired Ice Bucket Challenge

December 31, 2018

The Associated Press

Over 100 people took the "Plunge for Pete" Saturday, leaping into the Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester to raise money for Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player stricken with ALS whose Ice Bucket Challenge has raised millions for ALS research. Here, Frates attends this year's Red Sox home opener game in April. (Elise Amendola/AP)

About 100 people took an icy plunge into the ocean over the weekend to raise about $25,000 for the Massachusetts man who helped inspire the ice bucket challenge.

The Gloucester Daily Times reports that people gathered in costumes and bathing suits at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester on Saturday for the seventh annual Plunge for Pete.

The proceeds help cover the medical costs for 34-year-old Pete Frates, of Beverly, the former Boston College baseball player credited with helping popularize the ice bucket challenge that raises money for research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Frates' father, John, says he was overwhelmed with the generosity from supporters.

ALS is a degenerative disease that destroys nerve cells, impairs physical functions and so far has no cure.