Ice Cream Social Raises Over $1,200 for Safe Haven Shelter

Despite the dreary weather, more than 150 ice cream seekers came out to New Morning Natural and Organic Store in Woodbury, CT on Friday, June 24, to celebrate the 12th Annual Ice Cream Social, where proceeds benefit the Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury.

More than $1,200.00 was raised, and New Morning continues to sell ice cream cups near the front registers, and all proceeds from those sales will also benefit Safe Haven.

For $5.00 per cup, customers chose from a variety of natural and organic ice creams, including StonyField ice cream, Purely Decadent Coconut ice cream, Ciao Bella Mango Sorbet, and Maple’s Gelato, which was a big crowd pleaser. And the toppings included Let’s Do sprinklez, Herrell’s hot fudge, Tru whip natural whipped topping, Bola Granola, Woodstock Farm organic frozen strawberries, chocolate sauce, cherries, and Sun Drops natural candy covered chocolates.

In addition to the ice cream, guests were treated to whimsical face painting by Jessica Johns of Purple Moon Arts Face Painting, who donated her time and talents. Kim Grustas, one of the co-founders of Good For You Girls skin care for tweens, returned to hand out samples and talk to young girls about starting a healthy skin care routine. Laura Roy with Suki skin care and Green Beaver gluten free skin care, also handed out samples to attendees.

“We are grateful to all who came down to New Morning in support of the 12th Annual Ice Cream Social,” said John Pittari, owner of New Morning. “Despite the inclement weather we had a really nice turn out from our local community, in support of the important work that Safe Haven shelter does.”

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury provides emergency shelter and free comprehensive support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Per their website, www.safehavengw.org, they are committed to ending violence and sexual assault by changing the social conditions and beliefs that perpetuate violence against women and children.

“New Morning has been generously helping Safe Haven for twelve years now, and we are so grateful,” said Peggy Panagrossi, Executive Director of Safe Haven. “The Ice Cream Social not only raises money for Safe Haven, but also helps raise awareness about our services. John and the entire New Morning staff could not be any nicer, they are wonderful people."

New Morning is also collecting new, unopened items for Safe Haven such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid laundry detergent, non-perishable food, disposable diapers, cleaning supplies, paper products, new underwear and socks for women and children, new sweat pants and sweat shirts, gift cards to local grocery stores and drug stores, and phone cards. More information about Safe Haven can be found at www.safehavengw.org

Information regarding other upcoming events at New Morning can be found at www.newmorn.com