YORK COUNTY — The Riverwalk Landing Ben & Jerry’s location was busy on Free Cone Day, but not just for the free ice cream. The 19th annual Free Cone Day in the county also hosted a fundraiser for Lackey Clinic.
Free Cone Day, celebrated by Ben & Jerry’s nationwide each April, kicks off the spring and summer seasons. Each store offers free ice cream cones on April 8 to anyone who comes in. In Yorktown, Ben & Jerry’s franchise owner Bob DeRamo has turned the event into an annual fundraiser.
“As a team, we are at our best when we are serving others. I always have so many team members volunteering to work free cone day because of what we are able to do,” Dan Hayden, store manager, said.
At the Yorktown location, customers were streaming in throughout the day. Each customer received free ice cream and had the opportunity to learn more about Lackey Clinic, a free clinic in the area that provides medical care, prescriptions and more.
Ice cream scoopers also volunteer their time. From members of the William & Mary gymnastics team to Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown employees, the community came out in droves to volunteer. There was also an appearance from Lackey Clinic’s therapy dogs.
During the event, there was face painting, live music, and a pet adoption event with Critters 4 U Rescue. The Ben & Jerry’s staff also rounded up food and litter donations for the pet rescue.
Overall, Hayden was grateful for the outpouring of support.
“It’s my favorite day of the year and it’s inspiring,” Hayden added.