Update– It’s time for McKenzie’s 7th annual lemonade sale. With a goal to raise $20,000, this is the first year she’s got local business sponsors! So far Elizabeth Diamond Company, Houser Asphalt, Howell Chiropractic, Possert Construction, Select Signs and the Mills Family Foundation have stepped up to help. There’s still time for your help to.
This story originally ran June 26, 2011:
McKenzie has been holding lemonade stands since she was four to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Inspired by her dad sharing the story of Alex and her amazing Lemonade stand. Alex was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when she was a year old. When she was just 4 years old she told her parents she wanted to have a lemonade stand and send the money to doctors to help find a cure. Alex passed away in 2004 at the age of 8 after raising over a million dollars by selling lemonade.
McKenzie has been hosting her own lemonade stand since 2006. This year, with the help of the Centerville Noon Optimist, McKenzie hopes to have the biggest fundraiser ever. Her stand will be set up at the Centerville Americana Festival on the 4th of July from 11am – 5pm. You can also donate online to help her reach her goal of $15,000.
McKenzie's first Leomonade stand in 2006
In addition to lemonade there will be four raffle baskets including a wii gaming system, dining out in Dayton (gift cards from all over town), rest and relaxation (massage & spa cards) and Family Fun (Dragons Tickets & More).
If you’d like to share the story with other children you know or find out about other fundraising events visit the website. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by her parents after her death, truly exemplifying the saying “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”—they have raised more than $40 million. That money has helped to:
• Fund more than 200 cutting-edge research projects
• Create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment
• Develop resources to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer
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