Dozens of people from Bay Village, Ohio and other nearby communities came out Friday evening to promote tolerance and show their support for a teen who was the victim of a fake ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Cleveland.com reported.
The family of the victim, a young boy who has autism, told Bay police about the incident on Wednesday. The family said the bucket dumped on the teen contained urine, feces and spit instead of ice water. A video of the event was posted to social media. Those involved are believed to be Bay High classmates of the victim.
Friday night's rally, where people chanted "No Hate in Bay" and "No room for hate," was put together by Bay High graduate Elizabeth Sweeney and her sister, Sarah Sweeney.
"We wanted something positive to come out of a horrible act," Elizabeth Sweeney told Cleveland.com. "We got an overwhelming response from everyone."
Amy Helgeson, executive director at the area office of Autism Speaks, said it was heartwarming to see so many people come out in support of the teenager and to promote acceptance. The organization was passing out informational pamphlets at the event.
Sherry Kennedy, a Bay High graduate, said that as someone who has worked closely with special needs teenagers, "I felt compelled to be here."
Kira Pilat, a music therapist who has worked with special-needs children, also came to the rally to promote tolerance.
Bay Village Superintendent Clint Keener said he was proud of the way that Bay High students had acted after hearing about what happened this week. He said they have fundraised money for the ALS Association and for Autism Speaks.
Keener also noted that so many Bay students volunteer their time for the PAL program to accompany special-needs students on outings that the district has to turn away some of the volunteers.
The superintendent said the incident clearly does not represent most of Bay High students, but he said it does demonstrate that teaching tolerance and respect has to be ongoing.
