The Event will Mark the 12th Anniversary of the World Famous Fundraising Effort

(Mashpee, MA.)  NWN, a leading AI-powered Managed Service Provider,will sponsor a special LIVE READ performance of Casey Sherman’s feature film script, Ice Bucket Challenge, based on the best-selling book, The Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS, by Sherman and Dave Wedge. The movie, Ice Bucket Challenge is the inspirational story of Pete Frates, an ALS patient & co-creator of the world famous fundraising effort that went viral in 2014, with millions of people in more than 150 countries participating.

The FREE event on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 6pm at Willowbend on Cape Cod, will celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has raised more than $1 billion over the past decade, while also raising awareness of ongoing efforts to find a cure, and the mission of the Pete Frates Foundation, which supports ALS patients and their families. The event will be hosted by legendary comedian & actor Lenny Clarke (Rescue Me, There’s Something About Mary, Fever Pitch, etc.)

“We’re excited to share Pete Frates’ incredible life story before a live audience while also discussing how AI is having a major impact on ALS patients and their families through  technologies that can identify early detection models, which will allow patients to receive treatment much faster,” said Andrew Gilman, Chief Marketing Officer, NWN. “AI also provides voice cloning tools to recreate a patient’s actual voice, so that they can continue to communicate with others during various stages of the disease.”

“Our family is incredibly grateful to NWN for their tremendous support, generosity, and vision in bringing this special event to life. We are deeply thankful to Casey Sherman, the talented cast, Lenny Clarke, and everyone who has dedicated their time and talents to honoring Pete’s story and continuing his legacy,” said Nancy Frates. “We are also sincerely appreciative of every donation made through this event. Those gifts will directly support the Pete Frates ALS Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance to ALS patients and their families, helping cover the out-of-pocket costs of home health care so families can focus on what matters most—caring for their loved ones.”   

“I had the great honor of knowing Pete Frates and his family and the great responsibility of getting their story right,” said Casey Sherman. “This is a story about a man at war with his own body and the selfless actions he took to create a worldwide phenomenon. It’s also an incredible love story and I look forward to seeing the audience’s reaction to the script and the performances.”   

Sherman is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY #1 Bestselling Author and the creative mind behind Walt Disney Picture’s The Finest Hours (starring Chris Pine & Oscar winner Casey Affleck) and CBS Films’ Patriots Day (starring Mark Wahlberg & Kevin Bacon). Sherman currently serves as Executive Producer for Hulu’s upcoming docuseries, Hunting Whitey Bulger, starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck. 

The cast of the LIVE READ performance includes Gary Tanguay (Don’t Look Up), Patty O’Neil (Stronger) Alison Wachtler (Chappaquiddick), Lin Hult (Free Guy),  David Pridemore (The Finest Hours), Paul Kandarian (American Dynasty), Russ Gannon (Eephus) and several others.

NWN has been a longtime supporter of The Pete Frates Foundation, hosting the Ice Bucket Challenge 10th Anniversary event at Fenway Park, and the new Pete Frates Exhibit at the Sports Museum at TD Garden. 

About the Peter Frates Foundation

The Peter Frates Foundation is a 501c3 non profit established to financially assist ALS patients with the enormous financial burden of out-of-pocket costs associated with home health care. As the patient progresses on their ALS journey, these out of pocket expenses grow exponentially. Our assistance will help to allow these patients to stay in their homes, where they belong,  surrounded by the warmth, hope, and support of their loved ones. petefrates.com.