Ice cream shop run by and benefitting individuals with Down syndrome opening in Rehoboth

Don't have a good excuse to get ice cream while in Rehoboth Beach? You do now.

At Uncle David's Ice Cream, expected to open at 237 Rehoboth Ave. later this month, individuals with Down syndrome will serve up Hopkins Farm Creamery ice cream. Profits will benefit the Boardwalk Buddy.

"It's a great experience for individuals with Down syndrome and even better for the customers," said Jim Watson, executive director of Boardwalk Buddy Walk Fund.

"Uncle David" is the late David Samson, brother of Sharonlee Diehl. Nineteen years ago, she started celebrating Samson's annual summer trip to Rehoboth with a boardwalk stroll. Now known as the Boardwalk Buddy Walk, the nonprofit event raises money for families and individuals with Down syndrome and other nonprofits. It's set for Oct. 12 this year.

Uncle David's Ice Cream, a vision of the Diehls, Watson said, is a program of the Boardwalk Buddy Walk.

"We wanted to do something more tangible," Watson said.

Rehoboth Beach's Baltimore Avenue: Crosswalks are being painted in rainbow colors

A mobile ice cream shop launched last summer, while this summer will mark the opening of the brick-and-mortar business, next door to Just Comfort Shoes. Watson hopes to open more locations eventually, he said.

"Not only is it very good ice cream, but it's a different experience," Watson said. "What we're trying to do is create awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. That's really what the program is about, giving them a job so they're valued just like everybody else."

Get more information at uncledavidsicecream.com.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Uncle David's Ice Cream Shop coming to Rehoboth Avenue this month