Free Ice Cream and Furry Friends: Ben & Jerry's Event Supports Guide Dogs of the Desert

It was a perfect day in the Coachella Valley—sunny skies, 90-degree temps, and a sweet way to give back to a great cause.

Ben & Jerry’s at The River in Rancho Mirage was packed with locals eager to celebrate Free Cone Day. But the event wasn’t just about free scoops of ice cream—it was about supporting the incredible work of Guide Dogs of the Desert.

Lines stretched out the door as customers not only enjoyed their cones but were also encouraged to donate to the nonprofit, which provides guide dogs to individuals with visual impairments.

“I’m Karen Gates, Director of Community Engagement for Guide Dogs of the Desert,” she told NBC Palm Springs. “The goal today is just for people in our community to get to know Guide Dogs of the Desert and the people we serve.”

NBC Palm Springs morning team members and our own Tim O’Brien joined the festivities, drawing even more attention to the cause. “We love Guide Dogs of the Desert and their mission of helping people in need,” said O’Brien.

The store stayed busy all day, with a steady stream of visitors donating and asking how they could help. The organization is currently seeking volunteer puppy raisers to help train the next generation of guide dogs.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.gddca.org or call 760-329-2375.

From scoops to support, it was a day full of smiles, sunshine, and four-legged heroes in the making.