Governor Dayton took the challenge to raise awareness, encourage donations to fund research

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Mark Dayton today took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the Minnesota State Fair, while participating in an interview on ESPN 1500's "Garage Logic" with Joe Soucheray. Governor Dayton was nominated to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge by Minnesota Twins owner Jim Pohlad. After taking the challenge, the Governor nominated U.S. Senator Al Franken to do the same.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. While rare, ALS is a fatal disease. Currently, an estimated 30,000 Americans and 500 Minnesotans are living with ALS.

Since the Ice Bucket Challenge began in July, the ALS Association has raised $41.8 million for research - easily surpassing the $1.9 million raised during the same period last year. In addition to the new funding, the ALS Association has secured 739,275 new donors, an indication of broad support for the cause.

About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence, and fostering government partnerships, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information visit: http://www.alsa.org/about-us/

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VIDEO/PHOTO: Governor Dayton takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the Minnesota State Fair [VIDEO LINK / PHOTO LINK]