New York Elected Officials Prepare to ‘Cool Off for a Cause’ at 2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

L-R (Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, ALS patients and families including Pat Quin at the 2018 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge;  New York State Senator Shelley Mayer and Senator Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at the 2019 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge; United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand,  State Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Pat Quinn Sr and ALS patients and family members at the 2022 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge)

Celebrating Ten Years of the Global Phenomenon and a Decade of Strong Support for Local 

ALS Patients and Their Families, Elected Officials Prepare to Participate in the 

2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge August 3 at Empire City Casino

(Yonkers, NY) – Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire City”), Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and the family of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge co-founder and late Yonkers Native Pat Quinn will host the 2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Since its 2015 inception at Empire City, elected officials at all levels of government have shown their support for the cause, including leaders such as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35th Senate District), Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and representatives across state, county, and city governments. 

This year’s confirmed participants include New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow,  New York State Assembly Member Nader Sayegh, Westchester County Board of Legislator José Alvarado, Westchester County Board of Legislator James Nolan, Westchester County Board of Legislator Vedat Gashi, Westchester County Board of Legislator David Tubiolo, Yonkers City Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, Yonkers City Council Majority Whip Deana R. Robinson (1st District), Yonkers City Council Member Corazon Pineda Isaac (2nd District), Yonkers City Council Member Tasha Diaz (3rd District), Yonkers City Council Member Majority Leader John Rubbo (4th District), and Mount Vernon City Council President Cathlin Gleason.

“As we commemorate a decade of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, it is more important than ever to come together in support of those battling this devastating disease,” said New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “This event not only honors the memory of my friend Pat Quinn, but also embodies the resilience and solidarity of our community. Under my leadership, the State Senate has provided over $1.3 million for ALS research in the last five years. I am proud to support Empire City Casino and the Quinn family and thank them for their incredible commitment.”

ALS, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Quinn, who lost his battle with ALS in November 2020, continues to have his mission, drive and determination carried on through his family, friends, community, and elected officials to raise awareness and find a cure for the approximately hundreds of thousands of others impacted by the disease. 

“Each year, I eagerly look forward to attending the annual ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at Empire City Casino, an event which not only honors the memory of Pat Quinn but also fuels our ongoing fight against ALS,” said New York State Assemblymember Nader Sayegh. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Quinn Family, Empire City Casino, and the City of Yonkers for their unwavering advocacy and for organizing this crucial event. Together, we will continue to fight on until we find a cure for ALS.”

The event, co-founded by Quinn after his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2013 at the age of 30, became a global phenomenon as more than 17 million people around the world participated in the challenge via social media by dumping buckets of ice water on their heads. The event continues to remain a catalyst for raising funds to support research to identify a cure for the debilitating disease and raise awareness of the need for more research funding. Social media has also allowed patients to connect from all around the world, including Pat Quinn Jr. while he was alive.

It is reported that an ALS patient dies in the U.S. every ninety minutes. In the ten years since it was founded, ALS Ice Bucket Challenges have significantly increased the awareness of this deadly disease globally and in the last six years, three ALS drugs have been approved by the FDA with several others in clinical trials. 

“I’m delighted to support this noble endeavor as we continue the quest to find a cure for ALS,” said Westchester County Board of Legislator Jose Alvarado. “What started with one bucket of ice water became a global phenomenon.  With every dollar we raise through the Ice Bucket Challenge, it is my hope that we get one step closer to victory in the fight against this disease.”

“It is a privilege to once again participate in this year’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” said Westchester County Board of Legislator David J.  Tubiolo. “Having known Pat Quinn personally, it is my honor to support this great event and keep his legacy alive as we continue the fight against ALS.”

“In the 10 years since the first ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, we have seen tremendous advancements in research, advocacy, and care,” said Westchester County Board of Legislator Vedat Gashi. “We take this challenge to bring awareness and  to solidify our  commitment to making this a liveable disease. We are ever hopeful that there will one day be a cure or treatment to stop ALS in its tracks.”

Of all the support from elected officials over the years, it is Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano who has proudly taken on the ice bucket challenge every single year that Empire City has hosted the event. 

“The City of Yonkers is proud to carry the legacy of Pat Quinn over the last decade,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Every year, I witness the inspirational show of love for Pat and because of him, there is greater hope. We can’t stop now. There are so many families dealing with the devastation of ALS. We are so grateful for our partners at all levels of government for their continued support. We are in this every August until we find a cure with our partners at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts.”

Alongside Mayor Spano, Yonkers City Council Members have continually supported their hometown event and will show up again this year to participate in the fight for a cure. 

“I look forward to participating in the 10th Anniversary of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge along with Pat Quinn’s family,” said Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, Esq. “Since its inception, the challenge has grown into a global phenomenon that has raised millions of dollars, and it remains a testament to the resolve of 3 men who inspired the world. I encourage everyone to join me in celebrating the legacy of our own Pat Quinn and supporting the millions of people who are suffering from ALS. Together, we will find a cure.”

“Empire City Casino at MGM continues to be a cornerstone in our fight against ALS, hosting the annual ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of our beloved Yonkers resident and dear friend, Pat Quinn,” said Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo.  “Pat’s spirit and determination inspire us to persevere in our mission to end this devastating disease. We will hold this crucial event ‘Every August until a cure.”

“I have hope that with all the technology that we have that we will find treatment that will reverse or cure the damage caused to the motor neutrons in the body, so we may one day combat ALS,” said Yonkers City Council Member Tasha Diaz.

“I am delighted to participate in our community’s annual ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” said Yonkers City Council Member Corazon Pineda-Isaac. “This event is a testament to the compassion and solidarity of our residents as we come together to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. By taking part in this challenge, we honor those affected by ALS and contribute to the vital efforts needed to find a cure. I encourage everyone in Yonkers to join us, support this cause, and make a meaningful impact. Together, we can turn the tide against ALS.”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to stand with my city in support of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” said Yonkers City Council Member Deana Renee Robinson. “This cause is profoundly important to me because it represents our collective fight against a disease that affects so many lives. Each year, I participate not only to honor those battling ALS but also to contribute to the vital research that brings us closer to a cure. I am committed to this challenge and will continue to support it until we achieve that cure. Together, we can make a difference.”

The 2024 Annual Ice Bucket Challenge will be held outdoors trackside, is free to participate, and attendees of all ages are welcome. Festivities will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the ice bucket dump scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Day-of, walk-up registration will also be available, but online advance registration is strongly encouraged to secure a space and bucket. 

Leading the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge for another year is Quinn’s father, Patrick Quinn, Sr., who continues to pay tribute to his son and ensure his mission continues. Hosting a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, Quinn’s nonprofit organization, Quinn for the Win Find Your Smile Foundation (“Quinn for the Win”), continues to have significant impact at both local and national levels, along with the elected official support on the day of the challenge and beyond. For more information and to register, please visit www.empirecitycasino.com or YonkersNY.gov/IBC. 

About Empire City Casino 

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast.  Featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting; live entertainment, and more. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan-favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200.

https://empirecitycasino.mgmresorts.com/en/about-us/community-engagement.html

Media Contacts:

Maria Cray, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (508) 245-6564, Maria@nicholaslence.com 

Josh Knoller, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (201) 294-9586, Josh@nicholaslence.com 

Tatiana Diaz  Community Affairs Manager Empire City Casino Phone: 914-457-2442 E-mail: tdiaz@empirecitycasino.com