A Sandy Hook Fundraiser at Monroe Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shops

Francine Mowka received commitments from four Monroe ice cream parlors and frozen yogurt shops — and one in Shelton — to help raise money for "The Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play", an effort to build 26 playgrounds along the coast of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut with each one being dedicated to a victim of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"Building 26 playgrounds is a wonderful way to honor and remember those lost, while bringing smiles and happiness to children and families," Mowka said. "By donating to this organization, we are spreading kindness and providing hope, recovery and a return to normalcy."

This Friday and Saturday participating ice cream shops will have a donation jar, free offerings for donations or a percentage of its day's proceeds going to the charity.

The Peachwaves in both Monroe and Shelton are joining the effort, along with Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins and Frosty Bear in Monroe.

"I want to whole heartedly thank the owners/managers of Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Peachwave and Frosty Bear for their enthusiastic support and generous offerings," Mowka said. "It has been a pleasure working with you."

• Baskin Robbins, 135 Main Street, will offer two free toppings with a donation.
• Dairy Queen, 401 Monroe Turnpike, will offer a free cone with a donation.
• Peachwave, 535 Monroe Turnpike, will offer 10% of Friday's sales to the cause.
• The Frosty Bear, 695 Main Street, will offer free toppings with a donation and donate all sales of "26 Gummy Bears".
• The Peachwave at 702 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton, is offering 10% of its Saturday sales.

Among the playgrounds completed or to be built is Victoria Soto's Playground at Penders Field in Stratford. For more information on the Sandy Ground Project, visit thesandygroundproject.org/