Every Tuesday is Teal Tuesday at Lucy’s Frozen Custard, located at 1004 W. Elm Ave.

In support of retired St. Mary Catholic Central volleyball coach Karen O’Brien and her fight with ovarian cancer, proceeds from the sales of frozen custard treats are being donated to the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MIOCA), a state-wide organization devoted to ovarian cancer awareness, education, support, and advocacy.

Teal is the color worn to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. In 2015, when O’Brien was diagnosed with cancer cells that form in the ovaries, she formed “Teal Attack,” a movement using high school and collegiate athletic events to raise awareness and donations for ovarian cancer support through MIOCA.

Taylor and Griffin Vuich recently started the fundraiser after they assumed ownership of the family-owned business formerly known as Danny’s Frozen Custard.

Taylor, a volleyball coach at SMCC, worked with O’Brien and wanted to do something to honor her, so the sister-and-brother team started Teal Tuesdays.

On Tuesdays, when customers place an order and request teal sprinkles or mention “Teal Tuesday” or “Teal Attack” proceeds from the sale will be donated to MIOCA.

The frozen custard stand has been in the Vuich family since 1984 when Danny Sr. and Lucille Vuich purchased the business. The couple also owned and operated Danny’s Fine Foods.

For nearly four decades, Kelly Vuich operated the dessert business until April 2022 when Taylor and Griffin took over and changed the name to Lucy’s to pay homage to their grandmother.

“It’s the same frozen custard with the next generation,” Taylor said.

Frozen custard is a creamy frozen dessert very similar to ice cream but in addition to cream and sugar, eggs are added.

“Over the years, we’ve built a loyal customer base. We have people that come from all over Monroe County. People will drive from Wayne County and Toledo,” Taylor said. “Customers will tell us they’ve been coming here for 20 years. Generations have been coming here to buy frozen custard.”

The 27-year-old admits it’s difficult to resist the appeal of the frozen treat and she often samples a baby cone before she starts serving customers.

With the help of 14 employees, Taylor and Griffin operate the business seven days a week from 1 to 9 p.m. Griffin manages during the day and Taylor works evenings.

Since owning the business, some new sundae items have been added to the menu like the Oreo treat and peanut butter explosion.

Non-dairy options are also available for those who are lactose intolerant or follow plant-based diets. A new flavor is featured each week.

Weather permitting, Lucy’s will remain open until late September or early October before closing for the season.

Taylor said future goals include making Teal Tuesday the busiest day of the week, raising ovarian cancer awareness, and continuing to grow the family business their grandparents purchased 38 years ago.

“We want to continue to be a staple in the community,” she added. “A safe place to hang out.”

Lucy’s Frozen Custard

Owners: Monroe residents Taylor Vuich and Griffin Vuich

Address: 1004 W. Elm Ave.

Services: Frozen custard and non-dairy options

Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. daily

Method of payment: Cash only at this time

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Lucy’s Frozen Custard promotes ovarian cancer awareness