The Peter Frates Family Foundation is bringing back its Plunge4Pete event to mark the 10th anniversary of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The Plunge4Pete group will take an icy dip into the Atlantic Ocean at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 12:30 p.m.

Plunge4Pete will raise funds to support ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) research and honor the late Peter Frates, who created the Ice Bucket Challenge. Dec. 28 would have been Frates’ 40th birthday.

Who Was Peter Frates?

Frates, a Beverly native, played baseball for the Boston College Eagles. After being diagnosed with ALS, he wanted to find a way to raise funds to support ALS research, and he is widely credited with bringing the Ice Bucket Challenge to a national stage.

According to the Plunge4Pete website, Frates was “a naturally gifted athlete who possessed charm, wit, intelligence and a caring nature, Pete made friends easily — many of whom remained lifelong friends.” Frates died from ALS in 2019.

How Does the Ice Bucket Challenge Work?

According to the ALS Association website, “Participants can either dump a bucket of ice water over their head and donate $10 to the ALS Association or skip the water and donate $100.” Individuals are challenged to donate within 24 hours, but if they choose the ice bucket, they must upload a video of themselves receiving their icy bath.

Since its creation, the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised nearly $200 million worldwide, according to figures provided by the ALS Association. The challenge alone has generated close to $15 million for the ALS Association.