Kids selling lemonade is a recognized symbol of American capitalism and a common sight in neighborhoods when temperatures outside begin to rise. But the lemonade stands from days of old are no longer a nickel-and-dime operation. Today lemonade stands are big business, raising thousands of dollars for charitable organizations across the country.
The Colonial Kids for a Cause LemonAid Stand raised $44,788 at its annual fundraising event held in May during the Dean & DeLuca Golf Tournament. That total, the largest in the group’s history, will help start a scholarship for students at TCU’s KinderFrogs School.
“These children and their generosity are amazing! We are so grateful and humbled by their hard work, their “can do” attitude and their philanthropic efforts,” said Marilyn Tolbert, director and Jean W. Roach chair of Laboratory Schools. “It is said that no one stands as tall as when they stoop to help a child. In the eyes of KinderFrogs School and TCU, the Colonial Kids are 10 feet tall.
“We can’t thank them enough for providing scholarships for our littlest Horned Frogs.”
Colonial Kids for a Cause comprises a group of kids who live near Colonial Country Club and host an elaborate lemonade stand each year, then donate the proceeds to a charity of their choice. The children develop an annual business plan and solicit support from area businesses and neighbors to raise money and offset costs for golf cart shuttles, T-shirts and decorative ribbons to tie around area trees.
The LemonAid Stand began as a way to quench the thirst of golf fans during the annual golf tournament and became a charitable fundraiser in 2010 when the group decided to donate all proceeds to Susan G. Komen. Since then, Colonial Kids for a Cause has raised tens of thousands of dollars for national and local causes, such as KinderFrogs.
KinderFrogs School is a family-focused, early intervention program that provides a developmentally appropriate educational environment for children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Through generous donations, partnerships and volunteers, KinderFrogs is able to provide an innovative and collaborate environment for its students, faculty and staff.