The guards waved thousands of German citizens onto Wiesbaden Air Base one warm day in mid-May 1970. Known simply as “Open Day,” the event welcomed people of all ages to tour military aircraft, watch flying demonstrations, enjoy a baseball game, and indulge in what seemed like an endless supply of American ice cream.
Our German neighbors loved the ice cream, patiently standing in long lines for a serving before happily joining the end of the line to enjoy another. As a young teenager, I was fascinated by their enthusiasm. Without speaking the same language, we shared smiles, laughter, and a treat that somehow made us feel like neighbors instead of strangers.
Looking back, the ice cream wasn’t the real gift that day. The real gift was the invitation. By opening the base gates, we extended hospitality, built goodwill and reminded thousands of strangers that generosity often begins with simply making people feel welcome.
Why this memory in the middle of July? Because July is National Ice Cream Month. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to recognize the U.S. dairy industry and what he called a “delicious and wholesome food.” Whether his favorite flavor was chocolate, vanilla, or something else, history doesn’t tell us. What it does tell us is that ice cream has long had a way of bringing people together.
Bringing people together is something nonprofit organizations do every day. They connect neighbors with neighbors, volunteers with families, donors with causes, and hope with people who need it most. Yet just as summer becomes a season of vacations, backyard barbecues, and one more scoop of ice cream, many nonprofits enter one of their slowest fundraising periods.
More than one-third of all charitable giving arrives during the final three months of the year. Until then, organizations are stretching every donated dollar while continuing to meet payroll, operate programs, and serve their communities. Hunger doesn’t take the summer off. Crisis centers remain open. Children still need mentors. Museums continue welcoming visitors. The need doesn’t disappear simply because the calendar says July. Generosity shouldn’t be seasonal …
…but since it’s summer, here’s an easy summer challenge. Think of three nonprofit organizations that have touched your life or strengthened your community. Before the month ends, choose one and make an unexpected gift—not because they mailed another appeal or hosted another event, but because their work continues even when fundraising slows.
More than fifty years later, I don’t remember how many times I joined the ice cream line on “Open Day” at Wiesbaden Air Base. I do remember the smiles, the laughter, and the generous act of opening the gate to our neighbors.
This National Ice Cream Month, enjoy an extra scoop. Share it with someone you love. Then share a little kindness with a nonprofit whose work makes your community a better place. After all, sometimes the sweetest acts of generosity begin with something simple—and the gifts that last the longest are often the ones we never taste ourselves.
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If you have a question or a topic you would like to see explored in future posts, please reach out to me.
The Gift of Giving by Dawn Franks is a practical, inspiring guide to living with purpose through generosity. Filled with real-world wisdom, it encourages readers to make a meaningful difference and leave a lasting legacy. Click to learn more about The Gift of Giving.
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