This summer, 12-year-old Danny Doherty decided to raise money for his brother’s hockey team by selling homemade ice cream. However, shortly after setting up his stand and serving several flavors to about 20 individuals, Danny’s family received a letter from the Norwood Board of Health ordering them to shut it down. The town officials stated that his operation violated the Massachusetts Food Code.
Despite the setback, Danny decided to give the ice cream away for free and accept donations for the Boston Bear Cubs, a team comprised of players with physical and developmental disabilities, including his autistic brother. The situation quickly gained attention and support from the community, with organizations such as Furlong’s Candies and a local radio station holding fundraisers that raised thousands of dollars for the cause.
As the story gained media attention, local businesses also held their own fundraisers to support the hockey team. However, town officials claimed they received hate mail and death threats over the dispute, implying that the incident had been misrepresented in the media. They argued that the family had previously sold homemade ice cream without issue, and the shutdown was prompted by multiple complaints and concerns about health regulations.
While the situation was distressing for Nancy Doherty and her son, Danny, they were grateful for the overwhelming community response and support for the fundraiser. In the end, the effort raised approximately $20,000 for the hockey team, ensuring their financial stability for years to come. Despite the attention, Danny found the experience unnerving and overwhelming, but was happy to see the positive impact of his efforts on the team.
The fundraiser not only provided much-needed financial support for the Boston Bear Cubs, but also inspired kindness, generosity, and community involvement among Norwood residents. The success of the initiative demonstrated the power of individuals to make a difference and the willingness of communities to come together for a worthy cause. Danny’s simple idea and dedication to helping his brother’s team had a significant impact on both the local hockey club and the entire community.
