This past weekend I learned a lot about the spirit of giving. I learned a lot about what it means to be a good person, a great parent and to leave a legacy of giving. Brother and sister, Chris and Kim Andrews, grew into the spirit of giving by having a father who helped people whenever he could: Don “Ice cream Don” Andrews. First wife Valerie said, “He was always giving away ice cream to kids and the dogs, especially the dogs.” Just one example of how Don liked to give and make people’s day just a little bit better.
Don’s best friend Art Fealy had many heartfelt things to say about Don.
“He helped so many people,” said Fealy. “He was in recovery for 18 years and would help anyone (who) wanted to help themselves.”
Smiling, Art continued, “He was a hardcore biker that turned ice cream man.”
Fealy wasn’t able to ride, as he injured some fingers, but he was there in memory of Don. Many people there were.
“He was an old-school biker; he wouldn’t join any clubs,” Fealy said. “He believed in the old biker way — show respect for everybody and they’ll show you respect.” Fealy said of the people who came to the ride, “They know someone that’s affected that we are helping today.”
Saturday was a hot one, a real summer day, a perfect day for a ride with friends and family. It was also the perfect day to debut the Memorial Ride for Donnie “Ice Cream Don” Andrews. While the proceeds were originally intended to help offset medical bills incurred after Don was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer back in November of 2009, those plans changed. Sadly, Don passed away on April 22, 2010. In keeping the spirit of giving alive, his children decided to have the run anyway and give the money to two of Don’s favorite charities, Candy’s Place and the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous
Candy’s Place is a cancer wellness resource center. It provides support for patients and patients’ families.
Manning the registration were Don’s daughter Kim and Valerie, among others. Son Chris was helping keep things running on time and organizing the riders. It was a real family tribute to the man who was always giving.
The day was chosen about a month ago. This was the closest day to Don’s birthday, June 25. It wasn’t easy to plan this, as emotions were still rough for the family, with Don’s recent passing then Father’s Day on June 20 and then his birthday the day before the ride. To help the planning, Chris got some help from his motorcycle club, the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of the 82nd Brigade. This is a group of bikers that supports the Vietnam Veterans and other armed forces. Chris said that the club often went to the Veteran’s Administration hospital to play bingo with the patients.
“Dad was a Veteran. Army,” Chris said. He smiled when he recalled that he and his dad often rode motorcycles together. He said that he even has his dad’s old bike, a 1981 Harley-Davidson Super Glide.
“I’m overwhelmed by all of this,” Valerie said. “(Don) was amazing.”
She continued with a tear glistening in her eye.
“He lived the last 20 years of his life helping other people,” she said. “Yesterday was his birthday. I’m going to go and get a birthday cake and bring it back (to Outsider’s).” She explained that while Don’s second wife Theresa couldn’t be here for the event, they were all like family.
Kim talked about how she and Chris plan to take over the ice cream truck, which will be something of a challenge, since they both have full-time jobs. Kim related how she helped to take care of her father during his treatments and had him at her home with hospice care until about two weeks before his death, when he had to go to the hospital for further hospice care. This is why they wanted to give something back to Candy’s Place.
Kim is someone who smiles easily, but you could see the grief of losing a father filter through her eyes when she spoke of him.
Both Chris and Kim made their dad proud this day. Their actions are a tribute to a father’s memory. A memorial ride, and a great birthday present.
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