Tonight: Ice Cream Girl Hosts Japan Relief Fundraiser

The infamous “Ice Cream Girl” of Gravesend is holding a fundraiser today in efforts to help the people of Japan.

The “We ♥ Japan” relief fundraiser will be held outdoors on the corner of Avenue U and West 10th street at 7:30 p.m.

Maria “The Ice Cream Girl” Campanella will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross and all proceeds from sales this evening will be put towards efforts to help the people of Japan in the wake of the traumatic earthquake.

Campanella is a Brooklyn legend, having been slinging ice cream for the past 28 years from Bay Ridge to Gravesend. She’s got her own blog and YouTube channel where she posts videos of her fundraisers, friends and, apparently, rants against Bensonhurst Chinese take-out joints.

She’s been doing charity work since she was 25 years old, including volunteering for 9/11 cleanup efforts, joining the disaster action team with the Red Cross and hosting many fundraisers for those in need.

“I love doing charity work. I really think it’s the best thing anyone can do,” Campanella told Sheepshead Bites.

The famed “Ice Cream Girl” is loved by many in the Bensonhurst/Gravesend area, from toddlers to young adults. And at this fundraiser, revelers will have more to choose from than just the frozen snack. Pasta will be given to all that attend with donations, and ice cream sunday’s will be given out by the “Ice Cream Girl” herself. There will also be a live DJ. The donation request is $10 dollars and up.

“I can’t help the whole world but if everyone just helps a little it makes a huge difference,” Campanella said.