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 purchase a patient ticket for a Jimmy Fund Clinic pediatric patient to attend Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl^® in your place.

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 takes place from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 4 – 6. Scoop at Night will take place in a separate, tented 21+ area from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on June 6.

Are tickets available at the door?

Yes! You can purchase tickets at the door, but 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.

What is the best way to get to the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl?

Boston City Hall Plaza is best accessed through the MBTA; the Scooper Bowl entrance is located directly next to Government Center station on the blue and green lines. If you will be driving to Scooper Bowl, check back closer to the event to purchase your parking place in advance to reserve a guaranteed space.

Do you offer discounts?

Purchase your tickets before May 15 to receive special Early Bird pricing. Kids under 3 are always free, and groups of 15 or more will receive a discount of $2 off per ticket. 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 617-632-3190. If you have any questions please contact Scooper_Bowl@dfci.harvard.edu.

Can I re-enter after I've left?

Unfortunately, there is no re-entry except for those who purchase the Scooper Pass, which provides three separate entries to the Scooper Bowl.

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 on City Hall Plaza during 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.

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 617-632-3190 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.