$15K Raised For Tri-Valley Causes By Pleasanton Shaved Ice Truck

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton's Kona Ice truck has donated some $15,000 to local schools and organizations since the local franchise started up in September 2018.

The self-serve shaved ice truck has been at carnivals, youth sports events, walks and more in the Tri-Valley, said owner Michael Gray. Kona Ice donates 20 percent of proceeds to the venue or organization, usually focusing on youth.

Kona Ice worked with local organizations such as Ballistic United Soccer Club, Livermore Little League and Valley View Elementary School in Pleasanton, he said. The truck might serve up to 200 kids at an after-school event, but can serve nearly 700 at bigger school-wide events.

Kentucky-based Kona Ice has more than 1,200 trucks across the country. In total the company said it has donated more than $70 million to nonprofits and local organizations.

"It's been a great experience for me, definitely," Gray said. "Trying to root yourself into the community ... it's a pretty good feeling."

More Tri-Valley news:

• Family of teen drowned in PE gets $8M settlement
• Coroner IDs man killed in Tri-Valley crash Friday
• Strike possible in San Ramon Valley schools