When the first quarts of Yuengling's Ice Cream came off the production line last month, a case of each flavor was saved to help raise money for local charities and nonprofit organizations.
Company President David Yuengling promised when he relaunched the brand after a 28-year hiatus to donate at least 3 percent of its profits to charity. "We learned via our social media pages that there are plenty of Yuengling collectors with vintage ice cream memorabilia," Yuengling said in a release. "Then, with the popularity of the ice cream following the relaunch, we thought the first quarts might be of interest to those collectors."
The Hillside SCPA, The American Cancer Society and The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania were among the nonprofit groups that received cases of ice cream that are still being auctioned off at local fundraising events. All the proceeds go to the nonprofits.
"Both David and I try to give back to the community in our personal lives," Rob Bohorad, company chief operating officer, said. "Donating the first cases of our ice cream seemed like a great way to get the company on track to helping, too, in a fun way."
The Red Cross auctioned off its case of vanilla ice cream at its 2014 Red Ball for $120.
The Hillside SPCA set up a raffle at its Mardi Gras party for two quarts of root beer float. The American Cancer Society auctioned two quarts of vanilla fudge chunk with pretzels at its 36th Annual Telethon at the Laurel Mall, Hazleton. Both organizations have yet to release the amount raised through the auctions.
The SPCA and American Cancer Society will use their remaining quarts at upcoming events and the Pottsville Free Public Library will auction off chocolate chip at an event in the fall. The Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance will host a special event to auction off the first case of black and tan.
Other organizations will hold events throughout the year and anyone interested in participating in those charity auctions and raffles can visit Yuengling's Ice Cream on Facebook for information on upcoming events.
David Yuengling, great-grandson of Frank D. Yuengling, who started the original ice cream company in 1920, relaunched Yuengling's Ice Cream on Sept. 24, 2013. It is not associated with the Pottsville brewery, but David Yuengling is a second-cousin to Richard L. "Dick" Yuengling, president and owner of the brewery, and grew up in Pottsville.
Frank D. Yuengling started Yuengling's Ice Cream to supplement the brewery's revenue during Prohibition. In 1929, the company expanded with branches in Allentown and York and changed its name the following year to Yuengling Dairy Products and started producing its own milk and cream. Ownership was transferred to Frederick Yuengling Sr. in 1935.
David Yuengling's father, Frederick G. "Fritz" Yuengling Jr., became company president in 1963 and Yuengling's Dairy ceased production in 1985.
The relaunched company is based in Orwigsburg and production is at Leiby's Dairy in Tamaqua. The original recipe was changed only slightly to include all-natural ingredients and the milk and cream are both being produced locally.
Yuengling's Ice Cream is a premium line, kosher, PA Preferred. Flavors are vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, black and tan (chocolate and caramel ice cream), vanilla fudge chunk with pretzels, espresso chocolate chip, chocolate fudge brownie, chocolate marshmallow, root beer float and mint chocolate chip. Quarts cost between $5.49 and $5.99.
Yuengling's Ice Cream is being sold in about 500 stores across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. Acme, Weis, Boyer's Food Markets, Redner's Markets and other independent grocers are selling the ice cream locally. A searchable store locator is available on the company website.
For more information, visit www.yuenglingsicecream.com.