Everyone loves ice cream, and everyone loves giving back to the community, including Ben and Jerry’s! They have a free cone day once a year since 1979, and it is a national event. Everyone is welcome to come to get a free cone of ice cream and show support by leaving a tip!

Ben and Jerry’s goal is to do everything they can to support their local community. They also just want to show how much they care for their customers. Giving back is a primary value of the company.

Here in Myrtle Beach, free cone day supports the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, a non-profit organization whose mission statement is “to offer individuals with special needs the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities in a community-supported, safe adapted and encouraging environment.” They also believe that “everyone wins.”

There are five Ben and Jerry’s stores in Myrtle Beach. On April 9, 11,985 cones were scooped, and $7,229 was raised for the Miracle Leagues.

The donations make a huge difference in the lives of people with special needs. It goes toward the cost of their all-access recreational complex, uniforms, activities and equipment. This program is fully funded through community donations. Anyone can donate online as well.

Senior Gabby Arambula, an employee at Ben and Jerry’s, shares, “Free cone day is my favorite day of the year. I am so excited to work it this year; I love the fact that I get to contribute to such a good cause just by scooping ice cream!”

Everyone knows about free cone day, but most people do not know how much Ben and Jerry’s cares about the community. They have multiple core values that they stand by. They engage in real issues by incorporating them into their company’s design. It is hard to come by a company that puts so much thought into everything they do and that truly cares for each and every person giving them business.

Think about all that you are doing to impact the community just by leaving a tip and enjoying free ice cream each year on free cone day. They do it all for the customers, so be sure to enjoy it!