Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation from football to fundraising surprises

Over the past couple of weeks, we have heard several fun-filled and heartwarming stories about Alex’s Lemonade Stand events. They took place in various parts of the country, celebrating various occasions, but they all seemed to have one thing in common – an unmistakable spirit of giving.

Pat's Steaks in Philadelphia sporting Alex's gear!

The first event was hosted by the Lemon Society of Philadelphia, the young professionals branch of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. A few weeks ago we got a call from Frankie Olivieri, owner of the famous Pat’s Steaks and a longtime supporter of ALSF. Frankie had an idea – why not hold a day-long lemonade stand at Pat’s prior to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles football game. Frankie knew Pat’s would be busy prior to this game between rivals, and he thought what better time to fundraise! So the Lemon Society of Philadelphia took it upon themselves to set up a lemonade stand, and Frankie threw in some great incentives to help the fundraising along. The most popular incentive of the day – a “cut the line pass” allowing the highest bidder to be escorted to the front of the line. The most expensive pass of the day went for $100! Another donation of note, the family of Dallas Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones stopped by to grab some food before the game and made a $100 donation. All told, over a dozen members of the Lemon Society manned the stand throughout the day, and several other familiar faces came by to say hi and show their support, helping the foundation to raise $6,600 that day! Amazing!

From football to fundraising surprises – in Denver, Colorado, one of our longtime supporters Chuck Boyle and his girlfriend Courtney Pugh were celebrating Chuck’s birthday. As a surprise, Courtney sent Chuck on a scavenger hunt throughout the city, completing various tasks to get to the prize at the end - a surprise visit from his parents who live outside of Chicago. One of the tasks of the day – collect $10 in donations for ALSF from strangers. Can you believe that the first person Chuck stopped on the street and told the story of Alex to, was so inspired that they donated the whole $10 on the spot? It’s true, and Chuck has photo evidence to prove it! What an amazing supporter Chuck is, he became involved when his former fiancé Page Turner was battling her own cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma. Page and Chuck were passionate about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and after she passed away, Chuck continued their dedication to the cause. Since that time, Courtney has become equally passionate and even more involved, as evidenced by the scavenger hunt! Another example of Chuck and Courtney’s continued support – they hold an annual lemonade stand, and Courtney gives a portion of the proceeds to the foundation from her ahlivv website.

Finally, from fundraising surprises to family - Jay and I attended a surprise 50th Anniversary celebration for my parents last weekend in Rhode Island. It was a day of family (over 60 family members attended), friends (25 close friends of the family were also there), and fundraising for ALSF. While organizing the party, my siblings requested donations to ALSF instead of gifts! The party raised over $1,000!

These three events took place across the country, and though one of them did in fact have a lemonade stand present, they were about so much more. They were about continuing what Alex started in unique and inventive ways. It is amazing to me that what Alex started in our front yard has taken over the world famous Pat’s Steaks for a day; has made it to Colorado for a scavenger hunt; and has forever changed the celebrations in my own life. Though these are only three examples of the thousands of events that took place over the last year, and the hundreds of amazing people who are picking up where Alex left off - they have all changed the path that Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is blazing on the way to finding a cure for all childhood cancers. Thank you to everyone who continues Alex’s dream – we truly couldn’t be making such amazing progress in the battle against childhood cancer without you.

• For more unique ways to get involved with the foundation visit our website!
• OR if you have a unique idea, tell us about it!

- Liz Scott, Alex's Mother