12-Year-Old's ice cream stand supporting autistic brother's hockey team shut down by town in Massachusetts
In a heartwarming show of support, a community rallies behind a young boy's ice cream stand.
Danny's effort to sell homemade ice cream to raise money for his autistic brother's hockey team was abruptly stopped when the town's Board of Health shut down the stand, citing a violation of the Massachusetts Food Code.
The Dohertys received an official letter from the Norwood Board of Health.
«The Massachusetts Food Code (105CMR. 590) does not allow for the sale of ice cream made in the home. Please desist in these activities,» the letter added.
"I was shocked and upset," Danny told the Associated Press after receiving the letter from town officials. The letter, dated August 5, explained that the sale of ice cream made in the home was prohibited, leading to the closure of his stand. Despite the disappointment, Danny's efforts didn't go unnoticed.
The community steps up to support Danny and the Bear Cubs
Danny's original plan was to donate half of his earnings to the Boston Bear Cubs, a local hockey program for young adults with disabilities, including his 15-year-old brother Patrick, who has autism.
To prevent the remaining ice cream from going to waste, Danny's family decided to give it away while accepting donations for the team.
As news of the stand's closure spread, the community's response was overwhelming. Local businesses like Furlong's Candies and Boston radio station WWBX-FM organized fundraisers, significantly increasing the donations.
What started as a setback for 12-year-old Danny Doherty turned into a massive fundraising effort that raised $20,000 for his brother's hockey team, the Boston Bear Cubs.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, about $20,000 has been raised for the Boston Bear Cubs. The funds will help the team offer tuition breaks and possibly special jerseys for their 20th anniversary season, according to the team's manager, John Quill.
While Danny's story has inspired many, it has also led to controversy for town officials, who have reportedly received hate mail and death threats following the stand's closure. Town manager Tony Mazzucco defended the decision, citing legitimate health concerns about potential listeria contamination.
The Norwood Board of Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving the community divided over the actions taken. Despite the challenges, Danny's determination and the outpouring of support have turned a disappointing situation into a triumph for his brother's team.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 31 | 71 ANSWERS 12-Year-Old's ice cream stand supporting autistic brother's hockey team shut down by town in Massachusetts Do you think it was fair for the city to shut Danny's ice cream stand? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 12.7 % |
| No | 62 | 87.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
