MONROE, CT — Families lined up for sundaes on the Monroe Church Green during a fundraiser by the Monroe Playground Foundation Sunday afternoon.
Plastic bowls were filled with two scoops of ice cream, vanilla or chocolate, and customers had a choice of toppings like chocolate or strawberry sauce, crushed Oreos, sprinkles, whipped cream and a cherry.
Micalizzi’s Italian ice was another sweet option.
The foundation is spearheading a project to replace the wooden Kids Kreation playground at Wolfe Park with a safer, more modern playground with a community build. The new playground will be called The Wolfe’s Den.
“The fundraising has been challenging during COVID times for sure, so we re-strategized,” said Dan Keene, chairman of the foundation’s board.
After a slowdown of events, Keene said the foundation saw A Sundae on the Green as something that was both safe and fun.
He said the nonprofit is continuing to depend upon civic organizations and community members.
“We’ve raised about $125,000 to date,” Keene said. “We’re really hoping that other civic groups will partner with us over the next year to help us bring this dream to life.”
The goal is to raise $400,000. Keene said fundraising has been going on in earnest for a little over a year. He said 85 people registered ahead of time for Sunday’s event.
“We’re thrilled with the response to this event,” Keene said. “It’s great to see everyone come out to support our cause! One thousand dollars from a two hour ice cream event is nothing short of stunning.”
For information about the playground project and how to sponsor equipment, make a donation or volunteer for the community build, visit the Monroe Playground Foundation website.
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