LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia, Pelham,
New York natives who are credited with creating the Ice Bucket Challenge

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of individuals who bring vital attention and awareness to important
health issues which affect the lives of the citizens of our great State
and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia, Pelham, New York natives who are credit-
ed with creating the Ice Bucket Challenge; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Pelham, New York, Westchester County,
Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia were students at Pelham Memorial High
School (PMHS); while a student, Anthony played football, wearing jersey
No. 44; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, Anthony Senerchia, Jr. was one of the founding
members of Pelham Youth Football; for 14 years, he coached youth foot-
ball, inspiring his players to be the best they can be, both on and off
the field; and
WHEREAS, On October 25, 2013, Anthony Senerchia, Jr. was proudly
recognized during the half-time of the PMHS Varsity football game for
his many years of promoting youth football in his community, and for his
positive attitude; today, students who are chosen as Player of the Week
wear No. 44 to honor Anthony's legacy; and
WHEREAS, 11 years ago, Anthony Senerchia, Jr. was diagnosed with Amyo-
trophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's
Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease which affects nerve
cells in the brain and spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, To heighten awareness and raise money to help eradicate the
disease, Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia created the Ice Bucket Challenge
through social media; the challenge went viral in the summer of 2014,
and received national attention from thousands of people including movie
stars, professional athletes, and even former United States Presidents;
and
WHEREAS, To participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge, individuals must
pour a bucket of ice water over their head, and in turn, nominate a
minimum of three others, via social media, to do the same; if the chal-
lenge is not met within 24 hours, a donation must be made to an ALS
organization; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the popularity of the challenge, people from
across the country, in every imaginable setting, successfully raised
awareness as well as donations for this incurable disease; the ALS Asso-
ciation reported it received $62.5 million in donations from July 29 to
August 23, 2014, compared to $2.4 million during the same time period
the previous year; these donations have come from existing donors, as
well as 307,598 new donors; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Ice Bucket Challenge, Anthony and Jeanette
Senerchia began their own ALS fundraiser, the Anthony Senerchia, Jr.
ALS Foundation, which has raised more than $25,000 from its softball
tournaments, raffles and auctions; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia, Pelham, New York natives who are
credited with creating the Ice Bucket Challenge ; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Anthony and Jeanette Senerchia.