Roanoke shaved ice business starts new program to give back to community

The organization will raise funds and partner with a local non-profit in Roanoke

Melanie Crovo and Andrew Beltram, Chillin' Shaved Ice owners (WSLS 10)

ROANOKE, Va. – Recognizing what it’s like to walk on thin ice during the coronavirus pandemic, a local frozen dessert business wants to give back to charities.

Starting April 21, every Wednesday, Chillin Shaved Ice, located on Riverland Road, will raise funds and will partner with a local non-profit in Roanoke.

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10% of the organization’s profits and all of its tips will go to the highlighted organization.

Co-owner Andrew Beltram coined the name of the program: Chillin’ Ice Doin’ Nice.

After experiencing a tough year with the pandemic, Beltram and his co-owner Melanie Crovo, wanted a way to acknowledge non-profits who are trying to survive too.

Planning to open the frozen dessert shop in April of last year, Beltram said they ended up opening in late June because of licensing delays and freezer shortages during the pandemic.

“Last year, there was a shortage of freezers because everyone was buying them to store meat because of a fear of a meat shortage,” Beltram said.

Currently, 10 non-profits are on the list. But the owners plan to add more organizations as the program continues through September.

While the business can show off their refreshing treats, the owners say communal support is needed now more than ever.

“I think that’s the best way to work in the community,” Crovo said. “It’s to give a little bit back and do something good. I think we can all help build everyone else up if we try.”

The first event will be this Wednesday to feature the Clean Valley Council on behalf of Earth Day.


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Alexus joined 10 News in October 2020.