A Sweet Tradition in Pleasant Valley

Article Written By: Ana Mendoza

Kimberly sports her signature apron at her annual ice cream social

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Kimberly’s annual ice cream social (and a 150 Table!) in Pleasant Valley. As soon as I walked through the door and met her for the first time, Kimberly greeted me with a big hug. I immediately felt the warmth and welcome she extends to all her friends and neighbors.

She had thought of everything, of course. Guests first chose their ice cream, which Kimberly had already scooped into bowls to keep the line moving (a lesson she learned from previous ice cream socials!). Then came the toppings. A fully stocked sundae bar offered just about everything you could imagine, from fresh fruit and caramel to popcorn and candy. Guests also contributed pies, cookies, and other sweet treats, making for quite the dessert spread – and putting me into a sugar coma for the rest of the evening.

More importantly, the evening offered plenty of opportunities to connect. I met several of Kimberly’s friends and neighbors, many of whom are actively involved in their community and their neighborhood organization. It was wonderful to meet such passionate people and hear about the work they’re doing to make their neighborhood better and safer for all.

A Colorado Springs native, Kimberly likes to say, “The West side is the best side.” Growing up, her mom taught her the importance of staying connected to her neighbors, and Kimberly has certainly carried that lesson with her. She’s a helper, a Hey Neighbor Neighborhood Leader, a neighborhood watch member, and a block captain.

Six years ago, Kimberly started her annual ice cream social as a way to bring neighbors together. Over the years, she’s learned that one of the best ways to get people to show up is to personally hand-deliver invitations. Her efforts have earned her a fitting neighborhood nickname: the “ice cream social lady.”

Of course, Kimberly loves ice cream, but it’s the people who make the tradition so special. “I’ve always loved throwing parties. I love a good party, and I just love my neighbors,” she says.

Kimberly describes her neighborhood as a bit of a dream come true, where neighbors show up for events, families are moving in, and people know and help one another. Through her annual ice cream social and the many other ways she brings people together, Kimberly is doing her part to make that dream a reality, one sweet connection at a time.