Colby Allen ’25 helps relaunch ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in summer internship
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, co-founded by the late Pete Frates, took the world by storm in 2014 and eventually raised a staggering $1B for ALS research. Now a Nichols student is playing a role in continuing its impact during his summer internship.
On Aug. 1, local dignitaries, sports heroes, Pete Frates Foundation staff and members of the Frates family gathered at Fenway Park to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the viral awareness campaign and revitalize fundraising efforts.
Colby Allen ’25, a Public Relations and Communications Intern with Boston-based national advertising agency Regan Communications, was at the center of the action, assisting in the planning and operations for the event, which hosted Governor Maura Healey, Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, Patriots Foundation President Josh Kraft and former Boston College and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, among others. At the event, after several speakers delivered remarks, the governor, multiple sports stars and others dumped cold water on themselves to mark the 10th anniversary of the challenge.
To be able to help with such a successful event, and its cause, has been a valuable experience, says Allen. “I’ve been part of client calls and information meetings, helping this event run smoothly. Everything went very well.”
Allen, a marketing major (communications minor) from Middleborough, Mass., and member of the Nichols varsity men’s golf team, says this is one example of the PR activities he’s engaged in as a summer intern at the notable firm.
“In this role, I run media releases and media alerts, do some writing pieces—anything covering PR and media for about 100 clients, and I bounce back and forth between their Boston and Providence offices.
“So far it’s been a great summer and hopefully it’ll finish off strong.”
To read the news story the Boston Globe published about the event, go to: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/08/01/remember-the-ice-bucket-challenge-10-years-later-the-viral-campaign-is-again-fundraising-for-als/
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Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.
Media Contact:
Denise Kelley
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