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Sno Biz® Shave Ice Cools Off Relief Workers After Katrina

Minneapolis, Minnesota -- The sun came out after Hurricane Katrina swept viciously through coastal Mississippi. But, the heat failed to wilt the spirit of relief workers with some cool help from Sno Biz.

Jim and Suzie Sherman of Mobile, Alabama, quickly moved their Sno Biz shave ice trailer to the stricken area. They stopped in Pascagoula, Gulfport, Kiln and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. With help from friends and family, they served more than 2,000 handmade icy sweet treats to the Navy Seabees, Army soldiers, Coast Guard personnel, USO crews, and FEMA and EPA staff members, as well as Katrina victims. They offered the shave ice treats at no charge using Sno Biz flavors donated from Crystal Fresh, Inc., of Burnsville, Minnesota.

USO volunteer Michelle Beale worked with USO Gulf Coast Volunteer Coordinator Kathi Callahan to arrange the Sno Biz visits. Both volunteers traveled from their homes in Mobile, Alabama.

“Jim and Suzie surely brought a welcome relief to many soldiers, especially on September 20th in Gulfport and Kiln when the temperature was well over 100 degrees most of the day,” Michelle said.

Tom Novetzke, one of the principals at Crystal Fresh, commented that the Sno Biz brand enjoys loyal customers in the southern part of the USA, and the company was happy to help. “We’re really proud of the Shermans’ generosity and compassion. We work with some very special people in our dealer and distributor network,” he said.

Tom also noted that Ed and Jean Woodside, Sno Biz distributors in southern Louisiana, expected that all of the dealers in New Orleans were destroyed. “We’re ready to help out to get those dealers back in business again,” he added.

Photo cutline: Relief workers in Gulfport, Mississippi, recently enjoyed free Sno Biz shave ice treats as they took a break from Hurricane Katrina clean-up efforts. The treats were donated by Sno Biz dealers Jim and Suzie Sherman of Mobile, Alabama, and Crystal Fresh, Inc., of Burnsville, Minnesota. ( click on image to make larger and open new window )

For more information about Crystal Fresh, the Sno Biz flavors or dealership opportunities, visit www.snobiz.com.