September 2023 Donor Spotlight
Name: Galen Moorer, Happy Day Dessert Factory
City/Neighborhood: North Side
Galen and Happy Day Dessert Factory have been 1Hood partners since 2020. This year, they’ve provided ice cream to hundreds of community members during Fridays on Deck, a weekly safe space for youth to congregate without being over-policed hosted in Liberty Green Park (East Liberty near Larimer) featuring youth DJs, free food, family-friendly activities, and community-based health and wellness resources.
Tell us about your personal and/or professional background
“Happy Day Dessert Factory is owned and operated by me, Galen Moorer Jr.. I first had the idea of opening my own ice cream shop when I was about 17-18 years old because my father owned a Rita’s Italian Ice Franchise at the time. I enjoyed making the products while I was there, but I knew working for somebody else just was not for me. So during my years in college, I sat down and asked myself what are some things that I love and can make a living off of? Ice cream and clothing came into my mind because I love to look nice. A good looking outfit goes a long way. I did my research and decided that opening a clothing store is too much of a risk, so I eventually went with ice cream. The name “Happy Day” came from my grandmother. She is a wonderful, bright and joyful person. She is always singing “Ohhh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins. I wanted people to experience the good vibes and premium homemade ice cream and other treats we have to offer, so I named the business Happy Day Dessert Factory.”
How did you/your organization get involved with 1Hood?
“The Small Business Solidarity Program was Happy Day's first partnership with 1Hood. Through efforts to strengthen community partnerships and stimulate the local economy, Central Outreach Wellness Center and 1Hood Media collaborated to amplify Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh. By spotlighting one business per month, the “Small Business Solidarity” program challenged consumers to consider where they spent their money, and it encouraged support for small businesses instead of corporations whose privatized agenda may not align with the wellbeing of communities, especially Black communities. Working with restaurants, dessert parlors, and juiceries to secure the need for food, Central Outreach and 1Hood sponsored one organization per month. The program kicked off with Happy Day Dessert Factory, an ice cream shop on the North Side, on September 1, 2020 through September 30.”
Watch this video to learn more about the 2020 Small Business Solidarity Program.
What do you enjoy about partnering with 1Hood?
“1Hood focuses on making a real and immediate impact with in the community through real world action and tangible results. 1Hood does not just talk about issues and brainstorm solutions. 1Hood implements programs and interacts directly with the people in the community.”
How has your partnership with 1Hood impacted your organization/company?
“1Hood has dramatically increased our brand visibility within the Pittsburgh region by giving us opportunities to markets beyond our home base of the North Side.”
“1Hood interacts directly with the community. This direct interaction allows their organization to know exactly what the concerns and issues are facing the people. 1Hood addresses these concerns and issues and responds with corrective actions. 1Hood gives the people a real voice and instrument for change in their community.”
In your opinion, what is the most important work that 1Hood does?
What does “Our Community, Our Support” mean to you?
“ ‘Our Community, Our Support’ means that it is the interaction with the community and the voice of the community that fuels 1Hood and gives it its true power of change and representation.”