Eat a sundae in Libertyville, help the needy
Here's a reason not to feel guilty about gorging on that creamy rich, calorie-laden ice cream sundae.
If you get yours at Dairy Dream in Libertyville, the owners will donate 50 cents to the Libertyville Township Food Pantry for each featured sundae sold.
Doing his part to blunt the sharp pains of the recession, Dairy Dream General Manager Justin Synnestvedt will be giving the money to the pantry for each Turtle Sundae he sells in April.
"We've been hearing the bad news all winter long and decided we wanted to help in some way," Synnestvedt said.
You can't miss seeing the 1950s-era shop near the intersection of Route 176 and Butterfield Road. With the bright red exterior rimmed by neon lights, it's a destination spot for hundreds on hot summer nights.
A different flavored sundae will be chosen each month for the fundraising drive.
In addition, Synnestvedt said folks can bring in a nonperishable food item and receive a 10 percent discount off their total purchase. The pantry has a "wish list" of items that includes canned and paper goods, cereals, bar soaps and deodorant. The complete list is posted on Dairy Dream's Web site, dairydreamy.com.
Libertyville Township Supervisor Betty Ann Moore says she's more than grateful for the effort.
"We are very, very appreciative of this," Moore said. "This will help to support the tremendous and growing need we have for donations. We also appreciate the awareness they are raising in the community."
The business is getting the word out through local media, and is mailing more than 10,000 fliers to area homes to encourage donations. Synnestvedt hopes to raise $500 to $1,000 in cash, along with the collected nonperishable items.
The effort will continue as long as the seasonal business is open. Synnestvedt says depending on the weather, they are usually open through October.
The township pantry relies solely on donations, Synnestvedt said. It's another reason he chose it as the recipient for the donations.
"Charity begins at home," he said.