KENNEBUNKPORT — Former President George W. Bush took the ice bucket challenge then nominated former President Bill Clinton to do it next.

The challenge has caught on with notable figures participating in the campaign to raise money for the fight against ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Additional Images

Former President George W. Bush participates in the ice bucket challenge with the help of his wife, Laura Bush, in Kennebunkport. The Associated Press/Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Center

In a video posted Wednesday on Bush’s Facebook page, he says: “To you all who challenged me, I do not think it’s presidential for me to be splashed with ice water, so I’m simply going to write you a check.”

The video, taken in Kennebunkport, then shows a smiling Laura Bush dousing him. She says: “That check is from me – I didn’t want to ruin my hairstyle.”

Also in Maine this week, author Stephen King took the challenge, and then challenged author John Grisham.