Friday Night Links

Did you hear the exciting news floating around the internet?  Researchers have found the gene linked with ALS! This is a huge advancement for ALS research and is going to go a long way in discovering a cure or treatments for ALS.

What’s also interesting is that this research process was able to be sped up thanks to all of the money raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge. However, I feel funny about the fact that people keep saying that this is proof that the Ice Bucket Challenge, “worked.” Why? Well, I should preface this with, I work in nonprofits, specifically in fundraising, so I start to get really strong opinions when we talk about fundraising.  

So here’s why this irks me. People keep saying that the “challenge worked.” But, I think it’s important to remember the ice bucket challenge isn’t what found the gene. The ice bucket challenge allowed for more funds to be allocated to research which discovered. The ice bucket challenge “worked” because it raised awareness and it raised funds for ALS. The result of that raised money is that the scientists were given the funds they needed to continue to advance their research.

But anyways, I hope that hearing about this will help more people contribute to different nonprofits that they believe in. It’s an amazing way to show that your donation can go along way, even when it feels like it doesn’t.

• Curious about what’s currently going on in my life? 
• A great mural and the perfect leather slip ons 
• The final round up and review of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pieces 

• I’m a little obsessed with this peplum
• I love this idea of books to read when you feel like the world is falling apart
• My favorite skirt is on super sale! 
• Accurate 
• I just want this popover, is that too much to ask? 
• There might be more to it than you think when it comes to the benefits of working out 
• And on that note, why just 30 minutes of walking a day can help dramatically. 
• This dress is too beautiful 
• Since the Olympics are starting tonight, I thought a little flashback to Gabby Douglas making history would be pretty fun: