Kindness is always
on the menu
Pay It Forward is Dottie’s way of making sure there’s always a little extra sweetness to go around, whether someone is short on ice cream money, we’re treating our first responders, or there’s a worthy cause that could use some love.
How it Started
Before Dottie's ever hit the road, I already knew I had a problem.
There was absolutely no way I was going to be able to look at a kid who didn't have enough money for the ice cream they wanted and say, “Sorry.” I also realized pretty quickly that giving away all the ice cream isn't exactly a solid business plan.
Enter one very good friend and a $20 bill.
She handed it to me and said, “Use this to treat someone who needs it someday.”
And just like that, Pay It Forward was born.
How it Works
I shared the idea on Facebook, and people started adding to that original $20. A dollar here, five dollars there, and somehow this little idea became one of my favorite parts of Dottie's.
It's pretty simple. If someone comes to the window and they're a little short, Pay It Forward makes up the difference. And if a kid has enough money for an ice cream but not the one they've been staring at on the menu? They're getting the one they want. Life is too short to settle for the boring popsicle. 😉
We also use the fund to treat individual first responders and military members when we cross paths with them out in the community.
But Pay It Forward has grown into more than that. When there's enough in the fund, we look for opportunities to do something a little bigger. Sometimes that's bringing Dottie's to someone who's having a really hard time. Sometimes it's supporting a cause or a group of people who could just use a little extra kindness.
There aren't a bunch of rules. Nobody fills out an application. If we can make someone's day a little sweeter, we do.
The Best Part
Every dollar that goes into the Pay It Forward fund comes from someone who decided to do something nice for someone they'll probably never meet.
I get to hand out the ice cream and see the smiles. You guys are the ones making it possible.
To everyone who has helped keep Pay It Forward going, thank you. What started as a way to make sure no one had to walk away from the truck disappointed has turned into so much more. It’s given me the chance to say yes when there’s an opportunity to do something good, and I absolutely love that.
Kim