History
Planning for the first Scoops for Troops Ice Cream Social began early in 2008 by Gwen Olsen, Sandy Masterson, and Dawn Meyers. Each woman had lost a loved one to war in the previous two years. Gwen and Sandy lost theirs sons, Daniel and Conor, in April of 2007. Dawn lost her brother, Adam, in February of 2006. As they were approaching the anniversary of the deaths of their loved ones, all three were looking for something positive to do in the boys honor. The ladies had become connected with a group called Tribute to the Troops, a charity dedicated to honoring the fallen, and helping those who continue to serve today. With the help of Ring Mountain Creamery - Cafe in Eagan, MN, the first Scoops for Troops was held on March 30, 2008. Special red, white and blue ice cream was hand-made for the event, and offered along with dozens of other flavors. Local celebrities were on hand to help scoop. In addition there was live music, a silent auction and a restored WWII jeep. All funds raised went to Tribute to the Troops.
In 2009, with much help from avid runners, Mary Kolars and Steve Kalina, the Tribute to the Troops 5k run and 3k walk was added to the event. The run/walk was held at the Lexington-Diffley Athletic Fields in Eagan, MN. Some special highlights were live jazz music, and a brief pre-run ceremony that included a color guard, speaker, and the National Anthem. The run/walk was immediately followed by the 2nd annual Scoops for Troops Ice Cream Social at Ring Mountain Creamery. Despite the cold, rainy weather, hundreds of dedicated runners, walkers, ice cream eaters, volunteers and sponsors came out to show their support and made the day a tremendous success.
May 2, 2010 was a nice breezy spring day for the second annual TTTT run/walk. With the addition of a kids fun run, other family friendly activities, and most of all, hundreds of volunteers and participants, the collective spirit of appreciation for those who serve was strong. Once again the run/walk was followed by Scoops for Troops at Ring Mountain Creamery, and when it was all done, over 10,000.00 was donated to Tribute to the Troops Fallen Heroes Children's Education Fund.
Preparations for 2012 are well underway.
We are honored to continue to give all profits from Scoops for Troops to Tribute to the Troops Fallen Heroes Children's Education Fund. More information can be found at:
Gwen, Sandy and Dawn at the first Scoops For Troops, 2008