‘Free Cone Day’ to benefit Healthy Beginnings

The local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop located next to the movie theaters in the Old Mill Shopping District (680 SW Powerhouse Dr.) continues the long-standing tradition of Free Cone Day as a way of saying thanks and giving back to the community with free cones for all from noon – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 th .

Returning this year will be Celebrity Scoopers – local celebrities from television, radio and even a community leader or two, helping to provide sweet treats to the community.

“2013 is going to be filled with great Special Batch flavors to be tested in our scoop shop only! Each and every season Ben & Jerry’s will offer these Special Batch flavors for a limited time. Don’t miss out, come try them out! We also have a great new flavor Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt: Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt with a blueberry lavender swirl. We hope to have a great turnout for Free Cone Day 2013 and are honored to partner with Healthy Beginnings,” explains Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop manager, Sara Olson.

Healthy Beginnings is partnering with Ben and Jerry’s in support of the health and well-being of young children in our community. Representatives from Healthy Beginnings will also be present to describe our services and answer questions. HerBert T. Bear, the program’s mascot may even make an appearance! Donations will be accepted with all proceeds from this event dedicated to assisting kids and families in your community ensuring that every child has a healthy beginning. “Ben and Jerry’s is providing the ice cream so we are hoping that the community will open their hearts just a bit and provide a donation,” explained Holly Remer, the Executive Director of Healthy Beginnings.

Every family attending a Healthy Beginnings screening receives extensive information on the heath and development of their child. Parenting information and community resources are provided free as well. All children – all income levels in Central Oregon between the ages of birth through five who have not entered kindergarten are eligible for free screening services.

Last year Ben & Jerry’s customers provided nearly $1,000 in donations from this event with all proceeds supporting essential services to local kids and families. “Events like this have helped Healthy Beginnings screen and refer over 500 children last year and without community sponsors, our work could not take place” says Remer.

For more information about Bend Ben & Jerry’s, please visit http://benjerry.com/bend

Call Healthy Beginnings at (541) 383-6357 for information about this event or visit the program’s website atwww.myhb.org. Screening dates and volunteer opportunities are also listed on the program’s website. We hope to seeyouthere!