A Sweet Convergence: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Returns to The River to Benefit Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laurie Kettering
Email: lauriekettering@gmail.com
Phone: 760-779-1823
 
A Sweet Convergence: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Returns to The River to Benefit Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
 
RANCHO MIRAGE, CA – The Coachella Valley’s favorite tradition is back with an extra layer of celebration this year! On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Ben & Jerry’s at The River will host its annual Free Cone Day from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This global celebration of "peace, love, and ice cream" will serve a vital local purpose, with all donations and proceeds directly benefiting the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMOD).
 
For franchise owner Laurie Kettering, who has been serving the community for over two decades, the day is the highlight of her year. “Free Cone Day is my favorite way to say ‘thank you’ to the community that has supported us so beautifully,” Kettering said. “While I love the joy a free scoop brings, what truly fills my heart is knowing we are making a real difference by investing in the wonder and future of our local children.”
 
A Day of Celebratory Milestones
Everything is coming together perfectly for this year’s event, which also marks the 48th birthday of Katie Slimko-Tuvell, IOM, President and CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. As a dedicated board member for the museum, Slimko-Tuvell is inviting the entire community to join her in turning this personal milestone into a major win for local families.
 
“It is a wonderful alignment of celebrations to have Free Cone Day fall on my birthday,” said Slimko-Tuvell. “As a board member for the museum, I couldn’t ask for a better gift than seeing our valley show up for our kids. My birthday wish is to find a ‘miracle matching gift’—an individual, foundation, or organization willing to match the donations we raise during the event. Let’s make this the most impactful birthday yet and double our investment in the museum’s future!”
 
Cindy Burreson, CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, highlighted the natural synergy of the partnership. “This makes great sense because it features two things kids love—ice cream and the Children's Discovery Museum!” Burreson said. “We are so grateful to Laurie and Ben & Jerry's at The River for this opportunity to garner community support for our beloved museum and hope to see a great turnout to support both the museum and this wonderful local business.”
 
2026 Celebrity Scooper Schedule:

1. What: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Benefiting CDMOD
2. When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3. Where: Ben & Jerry’s at The River, Rancho Mirage
4. Beneficiary: Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert