This is an event for a good taste and a good cause. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati and Ben & Jerry's, 12092 Montgomery Road, Symmes Township, will present the third annual Free Cone Day, from noon to 9 p.m. April 22.

        Kathy List, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, said the Free Cone Day is a way of getting an inner-city agency connected with a suburban community.

        “It is a good fund-raiser, but also it exposes the outlying communities to an agency serving people with needs,” she said.

        Proceeds from raffles will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters group, which matches children with adults to create one-on-one relationships.

        And if you like caramel and coffee ice cream mixed with marshmallow and chips of fudge, that's the place to be. The combination, known as One Sweet Whirled, is the new flavor that will be introduced at Free Cone Day.

        “The Free Cone Day also coincides with Earth Day, just one more reason to celebrate,” said Skip Thole, owner of the Cincinnati Ben & Jerry's franchise.

        “During this day, we usually get people to sign pledges agreeing to help keep the environment clean,” Mr Thole said.

        There will be raffle tickets at a dollar each or six for $5, with a chance to win free ice cream for a year. The winner gets two scoops of ice cream each day all year. That's a lot of scooping.

        Last year,2,280 people attended the Free Cone Day and from raffle tickets the Big Brothers Big Sisters received $1,000.

        About 5,000 people are expected to attend this year.

        Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati has been serving children in need of friendship and guidance with mentors for more than 65 years.

        “Last year, we served over 1,200 children,” Ms List said. To help, call 421-4120.

       • • •

        Several hundred blankets are needed to complete filling bags with items collected by the Greater Cincinnati My Stuff Bag Community Project and the American Heritage Girls.

        The two groups have worked with the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation to collect items to fill 1,000 bags, but are short on blankets.

        You can help by making or purchasing blankets to donate or by joining the Blanket Brigade, from 10-3 p.m., April 20 at Springdale Church of the Nazarene, 11177 Springfield Pike,. Springdale.

        Each bag is filled with blankets, toiletries, stuffed animal, a couple of toys, a T-shirt, crayons, coloring books, school supplies, hand-held games, water bottles, hats and books.

        The bags will be given to abandoned, abused or neglected children in Greater Cincinnati through children services and other foster care agencies.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

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