The ’Scoop’ Behind the Snow Cone Stand 🍧

What looked like your typical neighborhood snow cone stand at an Anderson Township intersection this past Memorial Day had an even bigger story behind it.

The entrepreneur, 8-year-old Mason, was on a mission; one inspired by a recent visit with his dad to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

“We gained a deeper perspective on how and why we were celebrating Memorial Day,” points out John McCarthy, Mason’s dad. “It was a day to remember. It was a day to embrace the freedoms that we are not to take for granted, and for Mason it was a day to celebrate our veterans.”

Mason wanted to do something to give back to those who have served our country. The snow cone machine he received for his birthday was just the ticket. He set up shop in his neighborhood. The stand was a huge hit. Neighbors stopped by, enjoyed snow cones and shared stories about the veterans they knew. Mason took the money collected, along with a contribution from his dad, and donated $500 to the Joseph House.

McCarthy adds: “Mason didn’t see his snow cone stand as a sacrifice that day. Instead, he saw it as a blessing. A way to remind others of the essence of humanity. Loving neighbors as oneself. And there is no greater example of that golden truth than the sacrifice of our veterans.”