Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day Event

On Tuesday April 12, 2011, all participating Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops world-wide celebrated a 32 year old tradition as they once again hosted free cone day.  Ben & Jerry’s of Branford held their free cone day from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and featured some of their classics, as well as new ice cream flavors the entire day.  Customers came pouring in right at noon when shop owner and manager, Helen DelMastro, opened her doors and welcomed the eager patrons. 

For the past two years, United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) has been chosen as the select non-profit partner to assist with the event. UWGNH had the opportunity to interact with town residents by providing games and activities as they patiently waited in line to receive their free cones.  Entertainment was provided by RJ Entertainment, which included karaoke singing and dancing, and local celebrities such as Chris Velardi from WTNH, and the New Haven Register were kind enough to stop by and take in all the action. 

Aside from being a cold, wet and rainy day, everyone had a blast.  The event was a fun and successful experience, and a true act of community service as volunteers from UWGNH, Branford High School, Ben & Jerry’s Employees, and the Church of the Good Shepard youth group came out to help.   I mean who doesn’t love ice cream, right?  And on a day like Tuesday, while the music was playing, while people were dancing, as children and adults lined up for seconds, they all left the ice cream shop with big smiles on their faces.  

United Way of Greater New Haven would like to thank Helen and her employees for hosting the event again this year, and to all the volunteers who made it possible for patrons to enjoy delicious ice cream, while providing quick and efficient customer service.  We look forward to next year’s exciting free cone day and can’t wait to try all the new ice cream flavors.