A charitable ice cream stand took an alarming turn from celebration to severe online harassment and death threats.
At a Glance
- Danny Doherty, a 12-year-old from Norwood, Mass., started selling homemade ice cream to raise money for his brother’s hockey team.
- The Norwood Board of Health shut down the stand, citing health code violations after a complaint.
- Danny decided to give away ice cream for donations, which led to significant community support and funds raised.
- Town officials and Danny’s family received severe online harassment and death threats after the shutdown story went public.
Young Boy’s Ice Cream Stand Faces Unanticipated Shutdown
In Norwood, Massachusetts, 12-year-old Danny Doherty started selling homemade ice cream to raise money for his brother’s hockey team. Danny’s stand, named Tree Street Treats, offered various flavors and initially received praise for his charitable efforts. However, the Norwood Board of Health shut down the stand, citing violations of the Massachusetts Food Code after receiving a complaint.
The decision to close the stand quickly led to public outcry. Many were surprised by the Board’s action, especially considering how common lemonade stands are in neighborhoods. Danny and his family felt upset, as they had not anticipated such severe scrutiny for their small operation.
Town officials shut down a boy's ice cream stand; fundraisers and death threats followed: https://t.co/EioUPZjicg
The money was for a team featuring players with physical and developmental disabilities. pic.twitter.com/B9tQAStC6s
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) August 29, 2024
Overwhelming Support from Community
Despite the shutdown, Danny found an alternative. He started giving away ice cream and accepting donations instead. This strategy garnered even more community support, with the first day of giving away ice cream raising over $1,000. Local businesses and organizations also joined in to support the cause by holding their own fundraisers for the Boston Bear Cubs, a team for players with physical and developmental disabilities.
“Somebody complained. That was the most disappointing part for us was that somebody thought it necessary to complain about a child’s stand,” Nancy Doherty said. “It seemed a little, you know, crazy if you ask me.”
Malicious Online Behavior after Shutdown
The turn of events took a dark twist when the story gained further media attention, leading to severe online harassment and death threats towards Danny’s family and town officials. The Norwood Board of Health officials received hate mail, and the malicious behavior caught everyone by surprise. The officials argued that their concern was legitimate due to potential health risks from homemade ice cream.
Despite the turmoil caused by online harassment, Danny continued with his efforts to support his brother’s team. Ultimately, approximately $20,000 was raised for the hockey team due to the overwhelming community support. According to John Quill, the team’s director and coach, the funds will ensure financial security for the Boston Bear Cubs for the next decade.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of social media. What began as a well-meaning initiative to support a local cause escalated into a story marked by both remarkable community support and unsettling online hostility. Danny Doherty’s experience underscores the importance of raising awareness about the vulnerabilities individuals face in the digital world, where public exposure can swiftly turn from supportive to harmful.
