Tyrone elementary teacher Jennifer Rhoades started second grade math this year with lessons on money. She had the idea to do a lemonade stand to motivate students to learn how to count money.
However, when she heard about “Alex’s Lemonade Stands”, there was no chance of an ordinary lemonade stand. This was a chance for Rhoades and her students to do something special and learn all at the same time.
“I have two children of my own,” said Mrs. Rhoades. “Plus, I have a place in my heart for the kids I teach and for all children – I was immediately touched by Alex Scott’s story.”
Rhoades began a committee of parents only two weeks ago to put together a stand for “The Great Lemon Event”, held annually on Halloween, which is also in support of Alex’s story.
“I had an overwhelming response and support from parents, colleagues, and administration here at Tyrone. I’ve gotten constant positive feedback from everyone, and volunteers are more than happy to help with this cause. The children are beyond excited. It’s simply heart warming.”
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is a unique non profit organization that has evolved from a young four-year-old cancer patient’s front yard lemonade stand to a nationwide fundraising movement for childhood cancer.
This young cancer patient was Alexandra “Alex” Scott. For four years, despite her deteriorating health, Alex held an annual lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Following her inspirational example, thousands of lemonade stands have been held across the country by children, schools, businesses, and organizations, all to benefit ALSF. To date, her national campaign has raised over five million dollars for pediatric cancer research.
Alex passed away in 2004. Her giving spirit remains the driving force behind the foundation she established. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, guided by Alex’s parents, will continue to fight for all the families who are currently battling childhood cancer until a cure is found.
Rhoades added, “I wanted to teach my kids how to count money. As it turns out, they learned how to help others. Most importantly, they discovered that this sweet little girl who had cancer, was just like them.”
There were two lemonade stands at the elementary school and one at the middle and high school in Tyrone yesterday. Rhoades’ second grade class sold lemonade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the scheduled lunch periods.
The lemonade supply quickly couldn’t keep up with the demand from students in all schools, and more lemonade mix had to be purchased to keep up with the thirsty students.
Not only were the lemonade stands a success, many of the students who bought lemonade at the price of 50 cents a cup donated their change to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. All three cafeterias were buzzing from student and teacher support, excitingly enjoying some lemonade for a great cause.
A final total of monies raised was not yet known, but Rhoades said the event was definitely a success and that her students and the rest of the Tyrone students really enjoyed participating in the lemonade stands.
ALSF supports childhood cancer research with a focus on improving the availability of new treatments for children currently undergoing treatments for difficult to cure cancers – such as brain tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, Ewings sarcoma and Wilm’s tumor – among others.
The direct impact ALSF is having in the lives of children with cancer is due to the hard work of thousands of volunteers. As volunteer hosts set up their own Alex’s Lemonade Stand events in their communities, they are helping to raise millions of dollars for childhood cancer research so that one day, children everywhere will have hope for a cure.
For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit www.alexslemonade.org.
