Freezing ice water proved the warmth of the hearts of the Poarch community Tuesday afternoon.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) tribal council members, employees and other Poarch residents joined together to participate in a large-scale “Ice Bucket Challenge” at the PCI gymnasium’s splash pad.

The “Ice Bucket Challenge” is a popular phenomenon in which friends challenge each other to a simple dare. If challenged, you must either pour a bucket of cold ice water on your head or make a donation toward amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research — or both.

ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and can eventually lead to total paralysis.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has blossomed thanks to the Internet and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, where people can quickly challenge others and post photos or videos from the challenges.

Tuesday, PCI tribal council members Robbie McGhee, Arthur Mothershed, David Gehman, Keith Martin and Kevin McGhee took the challenge first. Before the chilly shower, Robbie McGhee challenged the Atmore City Council, Escambia County Commission, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff and other tribal councils in the United States.

Several other groups of PCI employees took their turn to feel the ice water deluge. Michelle Shaddix, the administrator of the Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility, said it was for a great cause.

“It was very cold but it felt good on a hot day like this,” she said. “We’re glad to do it for a very worthy cause.”

Shaddix also challenged PCI’s SAIL Center employees, Stephanie Pierce with South Baldwin Wound Care Center and Cindy Lee with the Atmore Nursing Care Center.

Gayle Johnson, PCI media specialist, helped orchestrate the massive challenge at Poarch. She initially challenged Edie Jackson, Kay Thomas and Sheila Odom.

Tuesday, Johnson said that about 30 participants took the Ice Bucket Challenge and there was $1,055 collected for ALS research, with even more pledged but not yet collected.

Several local businesses also have participated in the challenge, sharing their experiences on Facebook, including David’s Catfish House, United Bank and First National Bank & Trust. FNB&T dedicated its challenge to former employee Glenn Maholovich, who died of ALS.

According to the ALS Association, the charity received $62.5 million in donations nation-wide from July 29 through Aug. 23. During that same time period in 2013, the ALS Association received just $2.4 million.