Holding a community ice cream social for a good cause sounds like a great time, but in the case of the Annual Park Potomac Ice Cream Social for Charity, or ICSC, the money raised makes a real difference in the lives of children in need.
According to Bruce Fonoroff, Chair of the ICSC, in 2008 he and his wife Margo were chatting with other new residents of the Brownstones and condos at Park Potomac about how blessed they felt and how they wanted to help other less fortunate residents living in the community. One member in the group suggested working with an organization called Interfaith Works (IW) of Montgomery County (http://www.iworksmc.org). Together they agreed on a plan to help children who sometimes would carry their books and supplies to school in plastic grocery bags because their parents couldn’t afford backpacks.
The group formed a committee to raise money by holding an ice cream social on the plaza at Park Potomac, an event Fonoroff calls “part block party, part fundraiser, and part community volunteerism.” The first social was wildly successful and developed into a great annual community event.
To date, more than 12,000 new backpacks and tens of thousands of school supplies have been donated to children eager to start a new school year with the tools they need to succeed. In 2019 the group established three tiers of sponsorships, including five “Benefactors” who donate at the $1,500 level, (Foulger-Pratt, Shulman Rogers, FirstService Residential, Barkan Management and Town and Country Movers); “Patrons” (limited to ten at $1,000), and “Sponsors” (at $500).
A number of organizations have recognized the Park Potomac Community and Bruce and Margo’s contribution. In 2017 the Fonoroffs were recognized as The Interfaith Works “Humanitarians of the Year.”
This year Fonoroff is looking forward to the “best event ever,” complete with face painters, a parade, Carmen’s ice cream, an enhanced photobooth, VIP guests and thousands of dollars in door prizes from local merchants. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st, from noon to 3:00 pm.
