'People Can't Do Good Unless They See Good': This D.C. Ice Cream Shop Owner's Generosity Started a Chain of Giving Charles Foreman makes sure everyone who wants ice cream, gets it — even if they can't pay. Now, his kindness has had a domino effect.

By Madeline Garfinkle Edited by Jessica Thomas

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The Washington Post | Getty Images
Charles Foreman

At Charles Foreman's D.C. ice cream shop, Everyday Sundae, sweetness goes beyond the 50 flavors behind the counter.

After being laid off as a corporate chef during the pandemic, Foreman, 53, opened Everyday Sundae in July 2021. Now, his shop has become more than just a place for sweet treats — it's a hub for extending kindness to others.

Foreman has been a resident of D.C.'s Petworth neighborhood for more than 20 years, and as gun violence has risen, he's become motivated to bring some goodness to the area.

"Specifically on that block, there has been more than our share of situations," Foreman told The Washington Post. "People can't do good unless they see good."

His mentality? No one leaves without an ice cream cone, regardless of whether or not they can pay.

Related: A Business Owner's Act of Kindness Inspires the Internet, Sparks Larger Campaign

"You can see a need; nobody has to tell you somebody is struggling," Foreman told the outlet. When he spots someone who seems like they're having trouble, he offers a scoop on the house, no explanation needed.

Foreman's consistent generosity caught the attention of an Everyday Sundae regular, who then brought Foreman an envelope the following week — with $100 cash inside.

The customer, who chose to remain anonymous, told the Post that Foreman has been a "really good change agent" in the area.

Moved by the generous tip, Foreman posted a picture of the envelope on social media, which set off a chain reaction of kindness from other customers.

Foreman said the donations "took off organically."

"When you see people doing their best, you want to do your best," Foreman told the Post. "Everything is contagious, whether you do something negative or positive."

Beyond customers' donations for giving free scoops to those in need, others have extended generosity by simply paying for the people behind them in line — which in one case set off a days-long sequence of customers paying it forward.

"The little things that you do are the ripple effect on the pond," Foreman told the outlet. "It matters."

Related: 'That Act of Kindness Meant So Much': Chewy's Customer Service Is Melting Hearts

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Masculine Energy Is Good': Mark Zuckerberg Tells Joe Rogan He Thinks Companies Need More Aggression

On the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said corporate culture has become "neutered."

Business News

'More Soul-Crushing Than Ever': Popular Hiring Platform Finds Around 20% of Its Postings Were 'Ghost Jobs'

Is that job listing too good to be true? There's a one-in-five chance that it might be.

Growing a Business

5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

Discover the bold moves and strategic risks that catapulted these entrepreneurs to success. Learn how their fearless decisions can inspire your own path to growth.