The Kerry and Gary Challenge

Former Auburn basketball player Gary Godfrey and former University of Alabama running back Kerry Goode are “rivals” who teamed up against something bigger than sports, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS. In conjunction with the ALS Association-Alabama Chapter, Auburn University, and The University of Alabama, MELT created the first “The Kerry & Gary Challenge” to raise funds for families exclusively in the state of Alabama facing ALS. With the annual cost reaching $250,000 to care for an ALS patient, Godfrey and Goode decided to compete to see which of their alma maters could raise the most money for the ALS Association, with all proceeds raised by Auburn and Alabama set to help a neighbor in their town living with ALS. Donations came in far and wide, and included support from big names like Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban, Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney, and Alabama State officials, including support from Governor Kay Ivey making a proclamation and officially naming the week as “Kerry and Gary Challenge to Defeat ALS Week.” A total of $77,672 was raised during Iron Bowl week, as well as a $1 million donation from one of Godfrey’s former teammates, Charles Barkley.