It’s summer in Tennessee and what better way to cool off than a big scoop of homemade ice cream?

Ed Riley of Mo’Cara in Lebanon serves up the best in “refined southern dining”, including his fabulous homemade ice cream. But perhaps the sweetest thing Riley has to offer is his heart for serving his community.

In the month of July, Mo’Cara will be donating 20% of its total sales (excluding alcohol) to Sherry’s Run. When Sherry’s Run marketing director, Alisa Van Dyke, sat down with Riley to discuss the fundraiser she asked him about his passion for giving back. With tears in his eyes, Riley shared about his dear friend, Robert Harris, who passed from colon cancer. Robert was passionate about Sherry’s Run and asked Ed several years ago to support the organization with proceeds from the event, the Low Country Boil.

Riley went on to tell of a time when he was standing out in the field where the Low Country Boil event takes place, planning the event. As he stood there, a man drove up to him on a tractor, got off, gave him a big hug, and began to thank him for his support of Sherry’s Run. This man was a cancer patient and he told Riley of the tremendous blessing that Sherry’s Run had been for his family and how grateful he was for those who support it. This encounter gave Riley the resolve he needed to continue supporting Sherry’s Run in whatever way that he could.

Riley, along with several friends, have organized the Low Country Boil for the past 12 years. But, this year, the group has decided to take the annual fundraiser in a new and exciting direction. The new event is called Mardi Gras and will take place in February, 2016 at the Capitol Theatre in Lebanon. Be sure to like Sherry’s Run on facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay informed about plans for this event.

“I’m a local business owner and I care about this community,” says Riley. “It just makes sense to do whatever I can do to help my neighbors.”

“Ed is a great example of what Sherry’s Run is all about,” says Tonyia Watson, Executive Board Member for Sherry’s Run. “We are neighbors helping neighbors.  We could not do what we do without caring people like Ed.”

The “homegrown” focus of Mo’Cara extends beyond their support of Sherry’s Run. Almost all of the ingredients used in Riley’s deliciously unique dishes come from local sources. So, when you visit Mo’Cara this July, you can support local farmers, a local business, and a local non-profit! It’s a great way to enjoy a fabulous meal and feel good about supporting your community. For location, business hours and menu information, please visit www.mocarasouth.com.