Patriots

Gillette Crowd Wishes Ice Bucket Challenge Creator a Happy Birthday

Ice Bucket Challenge creator Pete Frates smiles with wife Julie and Patriots owner Robert Kraft during Sunday’s game. AP

By Braden Campbell

December 28, 2014

Pete Frates’ 29th year was a big one, and if the start of his 30th is any indication, the follow-up could be even bigger.

The Ice Bucket Challenge creator turned 30 on Sunday, spending his special day with family members and 70,000 of his closest friends at Gillette Stadium, where he was sung “Happy Birthday’’ during halftime.

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The Beverly, MA native and former Boston College baseball player was diagnosed with the degenerative disease ALS in 2012. Last year he and a friend created the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has raised more than $100 million to combat ALS to date.

Frates apparently spent the day at Gillette, where he posed for pictures with cheerleaders, the Patriots’ trio of Lombardi trophies and owner Bob Kraft.

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A very happy birthday to you, Mr. Frates — and many more.