The Big Chill Brings Free Ice Cream to Bailey Park

Did you know National Ice Cream Day is July 21? In celebration, The Big Chill brings free ice cream to Bailey Park on Saturday, July 20!

July 17, 2024

What is The Big Chill?

The Big Chill is a fundraiser event from The Shalom Project featuring free homemade ice cream prepared by over a dozen organizations and faith groups. Kids and adults can enjoy face painting, outdoor games, live music, and food trucks.

• The Fundraiser: Attendees can vote for their favorite ice cream by donating to The Shalom Project at that group’s station – the organization that raises the most money will receive the “People’s Choice” Award. Throughout the event, there will also be “cold callers” sitting on a block of ice and calling their friends and family to encourage them to donate.

What is The Shalom Project?

The Shalom Project is a local non-profit established in 2006 that assists those in need through several programs:

• Medical clinic & pharmacy, open Wednesdays from 5-7 PM
• Clothing closet & food pantry, open Tuesdays from 9 AM – 12 PM
• Flourish, a one-year program designed to help women with low income achieve financial self-sufficiency
• Peters Creek Community Initiative (PCCI), a community development effort to improve the area along Peters Creek Parkway; the initiative is currently focused on constructing affordable housing at the site of an old Budget Inn

The Big Chill’s Impact

All donations raised from the event will benefit The Shalom Project and fund its work to positively impact people’s lives. Last year’s event raised just over $60,000, and the non-profit aims to hit that number again at this year’s event.

• 2023 Impact: The medical center had 1,493 visitors and the food pantry and clothing closet served 12,716 individuals.

Event Details

The Big Chill takes place in Bailey Park from 3-6 PM. Parking options include the lots at 623 Patterson Ave and 315 Seventh St and a free parking garage at 455 N Chestnut St.

In case of inclement weather, The Big Chill will take place at Summit School’s Athletic Center (2100 Reynolda Road).

Volunteer at The Big Chill

It’s not too late to volunteer! The Shalom Project needs people to help clean up from the event. Interested individuals can email Spencer with Donor Relations to sign up.

• More Opportunities: Check out our volunteer guide for more opportunities to volunteer with The Shalom Project and other great local non-profits.