Kona Ice is now offered in Apache Junction, introducing a blend of entertainment and gourmet frozen treats in Pinal and Maricopa counties.

“The communities’ first taste of our cool treats and colorful truck will keep them coming back for more,” Apache Junction resident Wade Leath, who has teamed up with girlfriend Sabrena Westbrook to launch their food truck franchise, said in a release. “It will only be a matter of time before our Kona truck captures the hearts, minds and taste buds of the neighborhoods we serve.”

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as the sounds of tropical calypso music fills the air at each event and group gathering, the release states.

Freshly shaved ice is flavored with any of 10 tastes on the truck’s Flavorwave — an interactive dispensing system where customers select from one or more of the flavors to pour over their shaved ice — or an additional 20-plus flavors and 500 combinations available, the release states.

Mr. Leath and Ms. Westbrook are continuing the Kona Ice mobile franchise’s tradition of donating money to local school groups, teams and community organizations. As they book events with these groups, they pledge to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each stop, the release states.

“Service is just part of who we are,” Ms. Westbrook said in the release. “Kona allows us to serve the community in a fun and unique way and I’m excited to partner with local schools and help them succeed through fundraising.”

They began serving Apache Junction in March. Since then they held a fundraiser for the frontline health-care heroes at Banner Desert Medical Center. It was a 100% giveback where about 600 Kona Ices were served, which equated to roughly $1,200, a spokesperson said.

“Besides that, they set up in neighborhood parks if they have a person of contact in the area that is able to post on the community page. They have done RV park parties, birthday parties for both children and adults, as well as corporate employee and customer-appreciation events,” the spokesperson said.

They are gearing up for a youth sports program at Christ’s Church of the Valley for Friday night and Saturday morning games September through November. There will be a giveback associated with that. They will also be attending a dog show in November, the spokesperson said.

Nationwide, Kona Ice has donated more than $82 million to community-based organizations since the launch in June 2007.

“Wade and Sabrena share our commitment to giving back,” Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence, Kentucky-based Kona Ice, said in the release.

“They want to have a positive influence on the people in their community, whether it’s new text books, sports uniforms or, simply, a smile. We are proud to have them on-board. Together, we are excited to make a difference in the lives of those around us,” he said.

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for the food truck franchise include stops throughout Apache Junction at fairs, festivals, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties.

To learn more about Kona Ice of Apache Junction and to book your next event, contact Mr. Leath and Ms. Westbrook by email at wleath@kona-ice.com, call them at 480-450-4869 or go to Facebook @konaiceapachejunction.

For more information about Kona Ice, go to www.kona-ice.com.