How does it work?
If you are a kid and you love ice cream, then on join us at any of the participating ice cream or treat shops listed on this website and recite the Pledge of Allegiance from memory. We’ll reward your patriotic spirit with a free scoop of ice cream! It’s that simple! Make sure to bring your family and friends!
Most shops will announce their I Pledge for Ice Cream Project on July 1st, but be sure to check here for all participating shops and reach out to them directly to see when they will hold their event(s)! Be sure to check the hours for each individual shop as some have different times.
Where did this idea come from?
Stratton Leopold has set his sights on producing a national ice cream event to underscore the importance of patriotism among school children. Leopold is recruiting fellow ice cream shop owners across America to take part in the “I Pledge” campaign at the national level.
“I Pledge” rewards children 12 and under for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance from memory—with a free ice cream cone. The campaign, launched by Leopold’s Ice Cream on a local level in Savannah in the summer of 2010, received the highest award that year from the National Dipper at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association Convention.
“We couldn’t believe the enthusiasm this generated from kids and parents alike,” explains Stratton Leopold. “What a positive way to celebrate National Ice Cream month, which falls in July.” In Leopold’s view, nothing is as American as kids and ice cream—so he jumped on the idea, originally suggested by Jan Macchi, a Leopold’s Ice Cream customer.
Leopold stated his only challenge is to get the word out to all independent ice cream stores. He is actively reaching out to colleagues and inviting ice cream lovers nationwide to encourage their local ice cream shop to join the promotion. The national event is announced on July 1st and will occur each Monday in July. Participating stores across America will be featured on the project’s web site: https://ipledgeforicecream.com/
To take this to a national level, Leopold’s is sharing “I Pledge” promotional materials with ice cream shops across America at no charge. They will promote the event at the national level through press releases, Facebook, Twitter and with a YouTube page where ice cream lovers nationwide can upload videos of their family and friends saying the pledge of allegiance.
Stratton Leopold’s effort to take the campaign nationally has been supported by Visit Savannah. “Independent ice cream shops like Leopold’s Ice Cream create an important sense of community,” adds Joe Marinelli, President of the Savannah CVB. “The ‘I Pledge’ Campaign is a perfect example of the positive influence they can have with children and families.”
Visit the Leopold’s Ice Cream website for more information.