Payton Baggett Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The recent popularity of the national trend known as the “Cold Water Challenge” has caused many local residents to take to social media in the hopes of raising money for charity.
When challenged, individuals can decide to cover themselves in cold water and give a small donation to the organization of their choice, or stay dry and make a larger donation. Different versions of the challenge have been used, with the most common giving participants 24 hours to donate $10 with the cold water and $100 without it.
Whether they choose to jump into a cold lake, pour ice water on their heads, or stand in a cold shower, participants post videos of themselves completing the challenge after naming the person who asked them, what organization they are giving to, and which individuals they are “calling out” to take the challenge next. In this way, the trend has made its way from other parts of the country to the Clarksville community.
Firefighter Chris Cummings took the plunge, donating $10 to the Alzheimer’s Association while challenging fellow first responders. City Council members Kaye Jones and Deanna McLaughlin completed the challenge together at the new Edith Pettus Park Splash Pad, with Jones giving to Manna Café Ministries and McLaughlin to Veterans Temporary Emergency Assistance Program (VTEAP). CC Carmack of Q108 also donated to Manna Café.
APSU Senior Ben Biesendorfer talked about his experience going into a fountain on campus, saying, ” The whole challenge is a lot of fun and to be honest a refreshing sight to see in today’s culture… It’s about giving and even for those who don’t donate and accept the challenge, it still gives them a good reminder, like me still choosing to donate even after I completed the challenge. I hope more people embrace the idea and continue to see such a positive thing strive!”
See videos of Cummings, Jones, McLaughlin, Carmack and Biesendorfer doing the Cold Water Challenge below.