For 40 years, Amy’s Ice Creams has been a beloved part of Austin – serving up quirky, eclectic flavors and embodying the city’s unique spirit.
Jess Banks, the Giving Director at Amy’s Ice Creams, explains, “You’re not going to find a lot of crazy colors and chemicals in our ice cream. If we can find locally sourced honey, berries, and nuts and help other small businesses in the process, that’s what we’re all about.”
But the company’s dedication goes beyond ice cream. Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of Amy’s culture, and nowhere is that more evident than in their work with local nonprofits.
One of their most meaningful partnerships is with We Are Blood, an organization that holds a special place in the hearts of Amy’s staff and founders. Jess shares a touching story about Amy’s early days and the influence of Phil Clay, Amy’s original “right-hand man.”
Phil was a dedicated blood donor, and in his honor, Amy’s Ice Creams hosts an annual blood drive called the Phil Clay Blood Drive. “It’s something that’s really special for us to keep going under his name,” Jess says, highlighting the deep-rooted passion the company has for this cause. By partnering with We Are Blood, Amy’s continues to uphold Phil’s legacy and give back to the community in a way that aligns with his spirit of generosity.
In addition to honoring Phil’s memory, each year Amy’s and We Are Blood collaborate on our Flavors for Savers campaign, gifting those who donate during a certain period of time a voucher for a pint of Amy’s ice cream as a thank you for their donation.
And that’s not all! Amy’s Ice Creams also runs a Roundup Program, a monthly initiative that partners with a different Central Texas nonprofit each month. Across Amy’s 18 locations, customers can choose to “round up” their purchase to donate to that month’s featured organization. Through the program, Amy’s shines a spotlight on organizations making a difference, giving their patrons an easy way to support nonprofits and local causes just by enjoying a scoop (or two) of their favorite ice cream.
Amy’s Ice Creams is much more than just a place to grab dessert. It’s a company that has woven community support into its DNA, giving back to Texas with every opportunity. Jess summed it up beautifully:
“Texans love to give.”
Through their efforts, Amy’s Ice Creams gives Texans a way to do just that—whether it’s by donating blood, rounding up a purchase, or simply sharing a love for local businesses and ingredients.
In every scoop, you can taste not just the flavor, but the heart of a company committed to making Central Texas a better place.