**A Sweet Tribute: Groove Berry’s Freyo Shop Honors Charlie with Courage and Community**
In the picturesque town of Cœur d’Alene, Idaho, Chase and Sarah Gibson are not just the owners of Groove Berry’s Freyo Shop; they are beacons of hope and resilience in their community. After the tragic assassination of a beloved figure, Charlie, the Gibsons felt compelled to take action. Their mission? To honor Charlie’s legacy while facing both overwhelming support and troubling adversity. What began as a heartfelt tribute has transformed into a remarkable movement that embodies the spirit of true patriotism and community engagement.
Just days after Charlie’s passing, the Gibsons were deep in prayer, wondering how they could carry on his legacy. As they mulled over this weighty question, an idea blossomed that would later turn their ice cream shop into a hub of community support. They decided to honor Charlie by creating memorial stickers for cups that bore his name, birth, and death years. What initially seemed like a small gesture quickly snowballed, with their first print run of 200 stickers quickly evolving into a staggering 80,000 stickers. With each cup, they felt they were sharing a piece of Charlie’s spirit alongside their delicious froyo.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, meaning the Gibsons had to make multiple trips to their suppliers to keep up with demand. They credit their hard-working tailor machines for helping them meet the challenge of production. It’s delightful to think that each cup served not only offers a sweet treat but also shares a message of remembrance and hope. Groove Berry’s has become more than just a shop; it’s a testament to the power of faith and unity in the face of adversity.
However, this sweet success hasn’t come without its sour moments. The Gibsons bravely faced backlash, including death threats and hostile encounters from those uncomfortable with their support for Charlie. On one occasion, Sarah found herself physically backed against a countertop during a confrontation that left her feeling shaken. But rather than cower in the face of negativity, they have chosen to focus on the staggering outpouring of support from around the country. While the hate messages were few and far between, they could not overshadow the love and sense of community that continuously flooded their shop.
The couple shares their experience with community support with a hint of disbelief. Many have reached out, offering credit card numbers and asking how they can help. The Gibsons even created a “blueberry budget,” donating a portion of their sales to support Charlie’s family, and have continued giving back to groups like Turning Point and Club America. They realized that their little shop could not only serve frozen yogurt but also serve as a launchpad for charitable initiatives and a gathering place for those who share common values and beliefs.
As Chase and Sarah look forward, they are steadfast in their mission to spread positivity and gratitude in their community. With worship nights held in their shop and ongoing support for initiatives like Turning Point, they are determined to shine a light in these challenging times. For the Gibsons, honoring Charlie is about more than just memorial stickers; it’s about standing firm in their faith and advocating for the values that Charlie embodied—faith, resilience, and unwavering love for the community.
So, folks, if you ever find yourselves in Idaho, especially if you’re cruising through beautiful Cœur d’Alene, do yourself a favor and stop by Groove Berry’s Freyo Shop. Not only will you indulge in some of the finest frozen yogurt, but you’ll also become part of a story that shows how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. Chase and Sarah Gibson remind us that when a community rallies together in love and faith, the power of good can triumph over negativity every time. Godspeed, dear Gibsons, and keep spreading that sweetness for all the world to savor!
