In 1997, Ben and Jerry did something that ice cream lovers across the globe would celebrate for years to come: they took chocolate ice cream, swirled in gooey marshmallow and sweet caramel, and finished it off with some chocolate Phish ‘er, fish. Thatâ s right, 15 years ago, working in conjunction with the Vermont band, Phish, the ice cream makers created the flavor smash sensationPhish Food. At the same time, Phish launched their WaterWheel Foundation, a non-profit organization funded by proceeds from the sale of Phish Food ice cream. After 15 years, and millions of dollars raised for the benevolent works of the WaterWheel Foundation, things have kept moving alongâ ¦ swimmingly.
On Saturday, April 14members of Phish and Ben & Jerryâ s came together to celebrate their 15 year anniversary in a quirky event of cattle-strophic proportions. The undertaking would ring true for both organizations: a music-themed effort to form the Worldâ s Largest Cowbell Ensemble in the biggest little city in the Green Mountain State where both the band and the ice cream makers got their start, Burlington, Vermont.
â The Waterwheel Foundation is our way of giving back, inspired by the state that has meant so much to us,’said Phish drummer Jon Fishman. â This Cowbell Ensemble was our chance to provide Vermont neighbors with ongoing support. They have, after all, supported us for so long,’added Fishman.
Phishâ s drummer joined well over 1,600 fans for the event, nearly tripling the number of participants who helped set the previous cowbell ensemble record. The overflowing crowd, filling the upper block of Church Street, raised their cowbells and enthusiastically played along to the music, following Fishmanâ s lead, ringing their cowbells to the beat of the songs while enjoying free scoops of Phish Food which were served throughout the event.
â Most important to us ‘more than cowbells, even more than ice cream or music ‘is getting involved in the local community,’said Mike Hayes, Ben & Jerryâ s organizer for the event. â In Vermont, our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors come first. Itâ s a concept that both Ben & Jerryâ s and Phish have embraced and practiced over the years,’added Hayes.
All proceeds from the event, which totaled over $20,000, went to Phishâ s WaterWheel Foundationâ s Vermont Flood Recovery. This was not the first effort Phish has made to address the need created by Tropical Storm Irene in the previous year. Phish and the WaterWheel Foundation first supported Vermont Flood Recovery in September 2011 when they hosted a benefit concert raising $1.2 million dollars to help restore Vermont communities after Ireneâ s devastation.
Following the Cowbell Ensemble, an after party was hosted at Nectarâ s, where Phish spun their newly pressed vinyl version of â Junta’and further raffles were held to raise financial support to help those affected by Irene.
For more information on Ben & Jerryâ s or to find your local Scoop Shop, visitwww.benjerry.com.
Ben & Jerry's. 4.17.2012.
Ben & Jerry’s and Phish co-host the world’s largest cowbell ensemble in celebration of 15 years of giving back to the community
Submitted by tim
on