'People Can't Do Good Unless They See Good': This D.C. Ice Cream Shop Owner's Generosity Started a Chain of GivingCharles Foreman makes sure everyone who wants ice cream, gets it — even if they can't pay. Now, his kindness has had a domino effect.
At Charles Foreman's D.C.ice creamshop, Everyday Sundae, sweetness goes beyond the 50 flavors behind the counter.
After being laid off as a corporate chef during thepandemic, Foreman, 53, opened Everyday Sundae in July 2021. Now, his shop has become more than just a place for sweet treats — it's a hub for extendingkindnessto others.
Foreman has been a resident of D.C.'s Petworth neighborhood for more than 20 years, and asgun violencehas risen, he's become motivated to bring somegoodnessto the area.
"Specifically on that block, there has been more than our share of situations," Foreman toldThe Washington Post. "People can't do good unless they see good."
His mentality? No one leaves without an ice cream cone, regardless of whether or not they can pay.
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“你可以看到一个需要;没有人告诉你somebody is struggling," Foreman told the outlet. When he spots someone who seems like they're having trouble, he offers a scoop on the house, no explanation needed.
Foreman's consistentgenerositycaught the attention of an Everyday Sundae regular, who then brought Foreman an envelope the following week — with $100 cash inside.
The customer, who chose to remain anonymous, told thePostthat Foreman has been a "really good change agent" in the area.
Moved by the generous tip, Foreman posted a picture of the envelope onsocial media, which set off a chain reaction of kindness from other customers.
Foreman said the donations "took off organically."
"When you see people doing their best, you want to do your best," Foreman told thePost. "Everything is contagious, whether you do something negative or positive."
Beyond customers' donations for giving free scoops to those in need, others have extendedgenerosityby simply paying for the people behind them in line — which in one case set off a days-long sequence of customers paying it forward.
"The little things that you do are the ripple effect on the pond," Foreman told the outlet. "It matters."
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