You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream — with a purpose. Sammy’s at Seven Mile Restaurant and Bar in Chula Vista is debuting a new menu item this January that gives back to a local nonprofit while honoring a powerful legacy.
Created in partnership with the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF), Emilio’s Dream Sundae highlights the challenges children face while battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
The sundae launched on Jan. 6, Emilio Nares’ birthday, celebrating his life and the foundation his parents created after he passed away from leukemia at 5 years old.
“Each year, Sammy’s Restaurant hosts a sundae-making competition that brings together its media partners to support local nonprofits,” said Tania Zavala, development manager at the Emilio Nares Foundation. “This year, KSDY 50 selected the Emilio Nares Foundation as its nonprofit partner and collaborated to create Emilio’s Dream Sundae as a meaningful way to raise awareness for our mission and the families we serve.”
The timing of the launch was intentional: “Unveiling the sundae on that day allowed us to bring together Emilio’s loved ones, supporters, and community members to celebrate his life, legacy, and the impact he continues to have,” Zavala said.
The sundae itself is playful and imaginative, reflecting Emilio’s personality, she said.
“Emilio had a big imagination and an even bigger dream, that no child would ever have to feel sick or scared the way he did,” Zavala said. “The sundae’s whimsical design, from chocolate fudge ‘rivers’ to marzipan ‘mountains,’ reflects that imagination and sense of wonder. It serves as a reminder that even during the hardest moments, there is still room for sweetness, hope, and joy.”
Proceeds from the sundae support the foundation’s programs. “Apart from adding Emilio’s Dream Sundae to their menu, Sammy’s Restaurant donated $2,500 to help support the Emilio Nares Foundation’s core programs, including Ride with Emilio, which provides free transportation to medical appointments,” Zavala said.
Each sundae is served with a placemat that shares Emilio’s story and highlights the programs that support families throughout their child’s medical journey.
Partnerships with local businesses play a key role in sustaining ENF’s work. “They not only raise awareness for the Emilio Nares Foundation, but also help shine a light on the realities faced by families navigating childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses,” Zavala said.
“Community-driven support reminds families that they are not facing these challenges alone. Emotionally, it brings comfort, hope, and a sense of connection during incredibly isolating moments.
Practically, it helps ease the daily burdens, whether through transportation, lodging, or emotional support—so families can focus on what matters most: their child.”
The public response has been positive. “Guests have embraced both the creativity of the sundae and the meaningful story behind it,” Zavala said. The foundation and Sammy’s are considering making Emilio’s Dream Sundae a permanent menu item, depending on guest response.
“The success of Emilio’s Dream Sundae highlights the power of purpose-driven partnerships,” Zavala said. “The Emilio Nares Foundation is always open to future collaborations that honor Emilio’s legacy while raising awareness and resources for families in need. Initiatives like this allow us to continue sharing Emilio’s message of hope and ensuring that no family ever walks this journey alone.”
About Emilio Nares Foundation
The Emilio Nares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps families navigate their child’s journey with cancer and other life-threatening diseases and provides programs to support recovery. Founded in 2002 by Diane and Richard Nares after their son Emilio passed away, the foundation provides free services and programs, including its Family Resource Center, which offers multilingual support, housing, legal aid, and mental health services. For more information, visit www.enfhope.org.
