Unless you live under — an ice bucket — you’ve likely been witness to numerous friends, family, and celebrities dumping giant vats of freezing cold water over their head to raise awareness and funds for ALS research (or because of peer pressure and a unrelenting desire to fit in.) In nearly a month, the viral campaign has raised $32 million dollars for the organization, compared to about $2 million during the same time last year.

Not everyone is talented in the art of heaving ice water over their heads (see video below.) And, on a related note, not everyone is thrilled with this new form of viral fundraising. There’s a lot of concern from fundraisers that this has all turned into a bit of a popularity contest — that curing diseases shouldn’t be about marketing for a specific ailment but instead the encouragement of generations to donate for a common good.

But before we address such serious matters, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on all the things that can go wrong dumping ice water on your head…

Now that we’re through with that, where were we? Ah, yes. The evolution of charity and the ALS challenge and all the people who have a bone to pick with it.

Continue reading Ice Bucket Challenge and the Changing Face of Philanthropy →