Yes, There Is a Challenge With the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The last few weeks have been quite interesting to watch as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took over the fundraising landscape. In general, here is my summary of the thinking:

• The Nonprofit that is not associated with ALS: "WOW, why couldn't that have been us?"
• The Nonprofit Executive (to the team): "Go figure out how we can create our own ice bucket challenge."
• The Nonprofit Fundraiser: "I hope my boss doesn't think I can create that."
• The Nonprofit Agency: "I hope my clients know this was not even planned by the organization — it didn't even START with the organization."
• The Nonprofit That Funds ALS Research/Service but Is Not the ALS Association: "We should tell people to donate to us because that organization is not as good as us."
• The Average American (a collection of thoughts): "Wow, I hope I don't get asked more than once. Do I have to donate for each time I'm asked? Do I have to dump ice water for each time I'm asked?"
• The Haters and Pot Stirrers (a collection of thoughts): "You shouldn't be donating to ALS. You shouldn't be donating to ALSA. Have you seen how they spend their money?"

All kidding aside, here are the issues I think are the most important:

1) Apparently people still do not understand the importance of spending money and where the line is drawn between what is "excessive" and "reasonable." Of course, there are always "haters" — people just trying to stir the pot. But I've seen some pretty horrible posts on social media about the ALS Association. I'm not sure if some of the posts are rooted in jealousy and actually the result of wishing ill will on the beneficiary of this enormous viral sensation, but there are some who simply appear to be based in misunderstanding.