CLEVELAND — A black-owned ice cream sandwich shop in downtown Cleveland donated all of its proceeds from Saturday's sales to George Floyd's family.
Cathy’s Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches held its “Buy Back the Block” event from 2 to 9 p.m.
Staff at the shop on Euclid Avenue say they know firsthand the power of their community’s dollars and how much can be accomplished when everyone comes together to achieve a common goal. So they called on those who supported them to support the Floyd family.
“Pretty much at this point, we’re going to be sold out,” Jessica Prewitt, Cathy’s store manager, said.
Prewitt says that even before Cathy’s event started Saturday, they received tons of support from their patrons. She says that came in the form of social media comments and messages from customers promising to make in-store purchases, monetary donations, and also about 500 preorders of their treats.
Prewitt says Cathy’s stands in solidarity with those demanding justice in Floyd's death and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“We’re very family-oriented as a team in ourselves, but especially in our community, and especially with Black Lives Matter,” Prewitt said. “I mean that in itself speaks volumes, and actions do speak volumes and with that, that’s all we can really show, especially supporting and having support coming back to us. Just to show that its not just one, its not just two, but we’re all in this together.”
In addition to in-store purchases, Cathy’s is encouraging people to check out their Cathy’s Cookie Kits online too. Those proceeds will also go to the Floyd family.
Jade Jarvis is a reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
