Boardwalk Buddies participants open Uncle David’s Ice Cream

Participants in the Boardwalk Buddy Walk program have started their own ice cream business called Uncle David’s Ice Cream.

To get the scoops of ice cream rolling, a small group of supporters gathered May 31 at Mark E. Engberg’s independent branch of Charles Schwab, located off Route 1 outside Rehoboth Beach.

The business is named after David Samson, who served as the original inspiration for the Boardwalk Buddy Walk, which was created in 2006. Samson, who died in 2018, is the brother-in-law and brother of Boardwalk Buddy Walk founders Dennis and Sharonlee Diehl.

Boardwalk Buddy Walk Executive Director Jim Watson said there had always been a plan to find or start a business that would be well suited for individuals with Down syndrome. Watson, whose son Connor is a participant, said the ice cream being used is from Hopkins Farm Creamery.

Dennis Diehl was in attendance at the inaugural scooping.

“It’s amazing to me,” he said. “Watching these guys work is great.”

For now, Watson said Uncle David’s Ice Cream has two mobile carts that can be used at a variety of locations, including schools, hospitals, assisted-living facilities and other spaces. The plan is to open a spot on Rehoboth Avenue in 2024, he said.

For more information on Uncle David’s Ice Cream, go to uncledavidsicecream.com, call 302-493-6001 or email info@uncledavidsicecream.com.