Denali Moose Tracks Ice Cream 10,000 Scoop Challenge Benefits The Salvation Army
*Envoys Greg and Bethany Irwin with moose mascot
When Envoy Gregory Irwin got a phone call asking if The Salvation Army in Traverse City wanted to help give away free ice cream to receive a $10,000 donation he didn’t think twice. “Some things you have to pray on,” Irwin said. “I jokingly said let me think about it…and then immediately said yes.”
The donation was part of the annual Denali Moose Tracks Ice Cream 10,000 scoop challenge where charities of their choice receive $1 donation for each free scoop of ice cream they hand out.
This summer the company partnered with Mayfield Dairy Farms, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Country Fresh and Kemps to bring free ice cream to four U.S. cities, including Buffalo, Boston, Tampa and Traverse City. The event was held June 13, 2024, at Traverse City’s Rotary Square. “I still can’t believe we were one of only four cities and charities chosen,” Irwin said. “It really is an honor.”
People of all ages lined up to wait for a free scoop of Country Fresh Original or Fresh Cherry Moose Tracks. The ice cream was served by celebrity scoopers including local radio and TV personalities, as well as city and county leaders including representatives from two well- known Traverse City based grocery stores Tom’s Food Market and Oleson’s Food Stores.
The Scoop Challenge has been a summer tradition since 2010. For more than ten years, they have visited over 50 cities and raised over $500,000 to support vital community programs. It is also a distinctly Michigan tradition considering the Moose Tracks ice cream flavor originated in the upper peninsula. Caroline Winternheimer is the Creative Director of Moose Tracks.
“We have chosen The Salvation Army as one of our charities before,” she said. “Because we know that every penny is going into the community. The Salvation Army is made up of wonderful and giving people who is truly Doing the Most Good.”
*Event attendees enjoy their ice cream
If you would like to follow Moose Tracks' generous example and support The Salvation Army, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or donate to The Salvation Army.