Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t make the event; can I still support the Jimmy Fund?

Yes! We rely on generous donors like yourself to support Dana-Farber’s mission to conquer cancer. You can make a gift online or sponsor a patient to attend Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl^® by adding a "Sponsor a Patient" ticket to your order.

I just made a gift by credit card. What will appear on my bank statement?

Your online transaction will appear on your credit card statement as: DANAFARBERJIMMYFND. If the transaction is pending, you may see PENDINGBB appear, which is normal. Should you have any questions regarding what appears on your statement, please email our Donor Services team at askCS@dfci.harvard.edu. We can also be reached by phone at 800-525-4669 or 617-632-2903.

What is a matching gift? How do I submit a matching gift?

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage their employees’ support of charitable organizations. Contact your company’s human resources department for information about how to have a gift matched, or search for your company to see if it provides matching gifts to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my gift?

All gifts made online will receive an email confirmation, which includes tax information. Gifts of $15 or more made by check are acknowledged with a letter. For gifts made by check that are less than $15, the cancelled check will serve as your tax receipt.

Is the Scooper Bowl website secure?

Yes. All information submitted online is subject to the Jimmy Fund Privacy Policy. Please read the Jimmy Fund Privacy Policy before submitting any personal information.

How do I opt out of communications?

If you wish to opt out of receiving fundraising mailings from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, please call 800-525-4669 or visit JimmyFund.org/Opt-Out. If you wish to opt out of email communications, you may also click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any Jimmy Fund email.

What is Dana-Farber's tax ID number?

The Institute's federal tax ID number is 04-2263040.

What are the hours?

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl^® Boston takes place from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 2 – 4.

Are tickets available at the door?

Yes! You can purchase tickets at the door any time during the event. Please note the price increases the week of the event, so we recommend you buy tickets online in advance. We accept cash, check, and credit card at the event.

Do you offer discounts?

Kids under 3 are always free, and groups of 15 or more will receive a discount of $2 off per ticket when purchased in advance. To purchase tickets for groups of adults only or groups of children only, please purchase them on our Tickets and Passes page. If purchasing 15 or more tickets for various ages (adult and child tickets) please call 857-215-5025. If you have any questions, please contact Scooper_Bowl@dfci.harvard.edu.

Can I re-enter after I've left?

We cannot accommodate re-entry as we are anticipating very large crowds. If you would like to visit the event multiple times, the Scooper Pass provides one person three separate entries to the Scooper Bowl, either all in the same day or a combination of days.

I am not planning to eat ice cream—can I enter for free?

No. Even though you may not be planning to eat ice cream, you will still enjoy a lot of great entertainment and fun activities. And remember—your admission fee supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!

I purchased Scoop at Night tickets. Can my kids come in with me?

To ensure the safety of our guests, the Scoop at Night tent is strictly 21 plus, and all IDs will be checked at the door. Under 21 guests are more than welcome to purchase a ticket to the general Scooper Bowl area.

Can I bring my pet in with me?

We apologize, but due to health codes, only service animals are allowed to enter the event.

Can I bring my lunch in with me?

This is an ice cream-only event. We apologize, but due to health codes, we do not allow outside food to be brought into the event.

What happens if it rains?

The Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl will take place rain or shine. We will only shut down early in the rare case of extreme or dangerous weather, in which case all updates will be posted on the homepage and the Jimmy Fund Facebook and Twitter pages. Since our critical mission persists rain or shine, dangerous weather or conditions, no refunds will be issued in the case of any cancellation.

If I purchase a Speedy Pass, do I need an event ticket too?

No—your Speedy Pass serves as both your ticket and your pass to skip the lines. The Speedy Pass is valid for one person only; if you plan to attend with others and all want to skip the lines, each person should purchase a Speedy Pass as their ticket.

Who is scheduled for entertainment?

We will update our list of entertainment closer to the event. If your band is interested in performing, please send a demo to Scooper_Bowl@dfci.harvard.edu or call 617-582-7255 for more information.

What happens to all of the ice cream cups? Do you recycle?

We do our best to make this event as green as possible. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a vendor who is able to recycle the ice cream cups due to the liquid weight of the trash. If you know of a way they can be recycled, please contact us.

Why doesn't the Scooper Bowl take place over the weekend?

Our ice cream vendors generously donate their time and products, and we honor their availability and needs. And, it makes for a great break from work or end of year field trip!

Do you offer any vegan ice cream flavors? Or nut-, gluten-, lactose-, or dairy-free options?

A full list of the ice cream flavors will be available on our flavors page closer to the event, with dietary notes clearly marked. All nutritional information will be available at ice cream tents during the event as well. We do our best to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and preferences, but the flavors available are at the discretion of each ice cream vendor.

Can I bring a bag, backpack, or stroller into the event?

There is no bag size restriction, but all bags will be checked by security personnel at the entrance. Strollers are allowed.

Where can I find more information about Scooper Bowl NYC?

To find full details for Scooper Bowl NYC in Bryant Park on August 1 – 2, please click here.

Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?

Yes. Please bring either a printed copy of your ticket or be prepared to display it on your smart phone or mobile device. When you arrive, head to the Fountain Terrace (at 6th Avenue and 41st Street) and head over to a Will Call tent to pick up a wristband.

Can I leave the event and come back later in the day?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate re-entry as we are anticipating very large crowds. Once leaving the event grounds you will not be re-admitted to Scooper Bowl^® NYC.

Are tickets available at the door?

Yes! You can purchase tickets onsite. We accept cash and credit cards.

If I buy one ticket, does that mean I can partake in the event throughout both days?

No. If you plan on attending on multiple days, you can buy ticket(s) for each day.

Does Scooper Bowl^® NYC issue refunds?

Refunds will not be available for the event. Scooper Bowl^® NYC is a charity event and we very much value your contribution.

I sadly can't attend. How can I support Scooper Bowl^® NYC and the Jimmy Fund?

You can make a donation to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber online. If you have any questions, please email Scooper_Bowl@dfci.harvard.edu.

When is the last day I can buy Early Bird Tickets?

You can buy Early Bird Tickets up until May 15, as supplies last. After May 15, tickets will be available online for $25; and remember, you can always buy tickets onsite, day of event.

What happens if it rains?

The event will take place rain or shine; we will only shut down in the rare case of dangerous weather or conditions. Since our critical mission persists rain or shine, dangerous weather or conditions, no refunds will be issued in the case of any cancellation.