Bankers Healthcare Group Sets Goal Of $25,000 For ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Nominates All Healthcare Professionals

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankers Healthcare Group joined the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on August 18 to raise funds for the non-profit ALS Association. BHG started with a $5,000 donation to the Upstate New York chapter of the ALSA and pledged an additional $10 to the national organization for every healthcare professional that takes the challenge.

"For every healthcare professional that uses the hashtag, #BHGfightsALS across social media, we will donate an additional $10 with the goal of reaching $25,000 for this great fight," said Chris Panebianco, chief marketing officer at BHG, prior to employees gleefully dousing him with coolers and buckets of ice water.

The summer fundraising phenomenon features videos and photos of participants as buckets of ice water are poured over their heads. After making donations to support research and treatment for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, they "call out" individuals and groups to take the ice bucket challenge and make further donations to ALSA.

From the financial headquarters of BHG in Syracuse, Panebianco called out all healthcare professionals—specifically mentioning Kevin Pho of KevinMD.com—as well as media outlet Syracuse.com and employees at two other BHG locations, the corporate headquarters in Florida and its office in New York City.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised $22.9 M in donations since July 29, according to the ALS Association website.

About ALSA:
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

As the preeminent ALS organization, The Association leads the way in research, care services, public education, and public policy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease. The Association's nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy, while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

About Bankers Healthcare Group, Inc.
Since 2001, Bankers Healthcare Group has been committed to providing hassle-free financing solutions for healthcare professionals, allowing them to remain focused on delivering high quality care. BHG has provided more than $1 billion in funding to thousands of satisfied customers nationwide. The company has been recognized by Inc. eight times for growth and job creation. For additional information, please visit www.bhg-inc.com or follow Bankers Healthcare Group on Twitter.

Contact: Pat Harrigan, 315-671-4129

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SOURCE Bankers Healthcare Group