Here’s a scoop: This Boise event lets you indulge to support a great cause

A delicious treat is coming to downtown Boise in a couple of weeks: free ice cream.

But the sweetest part isn’t even the opportunity to indulge — it’s the chance to support your local community and see a vital nonprofit reap the reward.

The company making it happen, Moose Tracks, is back in the city a decade after a previous such event raised $10,000 for charity. The recipient then was the Salvation Army; the beneficiary this year will be Faces of Hope, an Ada County-based organization that aids those affected by domestic violence, abuse, stalking and human trafficking.

The goal is to once again raise $10,000. Moose Tracks, in partnership with Albertsons’ exclusive brand, Signature Select, makes that happen by donating $1 for every free scoop it dishes up.

The ice cream social will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grove Plaza on Tuesday, June 17.

“This collaboration means so much to us — it not only brings joy and awareness to our cause, but also helps ensure that survivors in our community continue to receive the support they need to heal and thrive,” said Paige Dinger, executive director of Faces of Hope.

This 10,000 Scoop Challenge is a summertime tradition. The Moose Tracks team first implemented the fundraiser 15 years ago and has hosted over 50 events in that time frame, according to Katie Montroy, marketing manager with Denali Brands, the company that licenses the Moose Tracks flavors.

One of the fundraisers took place in Boise in 2015.

“Through this event, Faces of Hope hopes to achieve two key goals: raising critical funds to support survivors and increasing community awareness about the realities of domestic abuse,” Dinger said. “While the dollars raised help us provide free, comprehensive services to those in crisis, the visibility this event brings is just as important.”

Katie Ceclan, vice president of Own Brands at Albertsons, said the gathering “is not just about enjoying ice cream; it’s about making a real difference in our community.”

Faces of Hope plans to use the donated funds to increase clients’ access to counseling and case management resources, safety planning, legal assistance, hygiene products and clothing, according to Dinger.

“We want to make sure every dollar that we donate is going back directly into the community,” Montroy said.

Faces of Hope provides resources to those in need at no cost, making events like this critical to the nonprofit’s mission, Dinger told the Idaho Statesman.

“Community involvement is absolutely essential to the success of Faces of Hope’s mission,” Dinger said. “We can’t do this work alone. It takes all of us, standing together, to support survivors and create lasting change.”

There will be three flavors offered at the 10,000 Scoop Challenge: Original Moose Tracks, Mint Moose Tracks and Extreme! Moose Tracks. These flavors all include the brand’s classic Moose Tracks Fudge.

The ice cream social will draw some celebrity scoopers, too, including the Boise State University Cheer Squad, anchors from KTVB-TV, and mascots such as Buster Bronco from BSU and Blue from the Idaho Steelheads.

Members of Albertsons’ Women’s Inspiration & Inclusion Network also will be at the event to lend a hand, according to a news release.

There will be family-friendly music and a 360 photo booth at the ice cream social.

Oh, and the answer is yes — you’re allowed to have more than one scoop of ice cream.

For those who wish to learn more about Faces of Hope, representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

“It’s kind of a win-win,” Montroy said. “Who doesn’t love ice cream?”

This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 11:33 AM.