Fanci Freez has been a long-standing and delicious tradition in Boise since 1947, serving several generations of ice cream, milkshake and burger lovers. With locations in downtown and nearby Meridian, Fanci Freez is truly a Boise-area icon, with lots and lots and lots of return customers.

Like nearly all other restaurants during this time, Fanci Freez’s business has been affected by the crisis: closing its dining rooms has forced an operational shift to all drive-thru, delivery and takeout. And since schools have been closed, Fanci Freez has been especially missing the ravenous appetites of the high school students from Boise High, a short three-block walk from the downtown location.

Fanci Freez owner Bill Hawes and his son Nick know that high school students—especially seniors—are missing out on even more these days, having to forgo proms, graduation ceremonies and all the other once-in-a-lifetime events and traditions that make up so many treasured memories. Which is why Bill and Nick are partnering with the Pass It On Project. With Columbia Bank’s help, they are making sure all the seniors at Boise High get free Fanci Freez milkshakes. Fanci Freez is making the shakes, and Columbia Bank is picking up the tab. It hardly replaces walking to the podium in cap and gown, but it reminds seniors that we’re all in this together and there are still ways to brighten someone’s day. Especially if it involves ice cream.