How We Started
When the summer started, we decided that we needed a plan. This six of us assigned roles for each of ourselves in the "Lemonade Project". We needed to make posters, figure out finances, purchase the supplies, and have someone manage the cash register while the stand was open.
A few days before the stand was set to open, we made the posters. The six of us put together the first details of what we needed, and, on the day before we began, we spent the day thinking of last-minute ideas and perfecting our work. We created signs to put around the town, advertisements for this website, and fliers explaining the charity. It really was a lot of fun.
A few days before the stand was set to open, we made the posters. The six of us put together the first details of what we needed, and, on the day before we began, we spent the day thinking of last-minute ideas and perfecting our work. We created signs to put around the town, advertisements for this website, and fliers explaining the charity. It really was a lot of fun.
The Lemonade Stand
The day didn't start out perfectly. There was a forecast for rain, it was cloudy and hazy, and people were in a hurry. They didn't have time to stop for lemonade. But still, we persisted, and it payed off.
Our first customer was new to our neighborhood, but that didn't stop her twenty-five cents from growing to an amount of money so vast it surprised us all. The stand truly had begun. We stood on the street corners and waved large signs advertising the stand and what we hoped to gain from it. Soon, cars were stopping, and many families from the area were purchasing cookies and muffins and, most importantly, lemonade. We almost couldn't keep up!
But still problems arose. One of us got sick and had to leave for a while, the gray clouds suddenly burst and the rain poured, but nothing seemed able to stop us. We always found a way to pursue the task at hand.
Our first customer was new to our neighborhood, but that didn't stop her twenty-five cents from growing to an amount of money so vast it surprised us all. The stand truly had begun. We stood on the street corners and waved large signs advertising the stand and what we hoped to gain from it. Soon, cars were stopping, and many families from the area were purchasing cookies and muffins and, most importantly, lemonade. We almost couldn't keep up!
But still problems arose. One of us got sick and had to leave for a while, the gray clouds suddenly burst and the rain poured, but nothing seemed able to stop us. We always found a way to pursue the task at hand.
Success Stories
Everyone's contributions helped, but there were a few that stood out. These people and their actions were the things that kept us motivated.
One of our first customers was a man known for his generosity. He drove by and took the time to stop back at his house for money. When he returned, he had a twenty dollar bill with him, which he donated. Despite our protests, he wouldn't take a single glass of lemonade.
Not only were there families from the neighborhood who bought lemonade, there was a construction worker, a grocery delivery driver, and a Fed-Ex delivery woman to whom we sold lemonade. It was amazing how many people took time out of their busy days to help us.
Next, were three girls who walked up with a gallon-bag of change and set it on our table. They had a glass of lemonade a piece, but the money they gave us was around a two-thirds of the profit we made. We were inspired.
Many people stopped, and only a few of them wanted change back. One man simply handed us a large amount of quarters and said, "For your hard work." He didn't ask for anything in return. A woman working day-care with four kids came up to us and said, "It's nap time, but we wanted to make sure we got here." She bought a bunch of stuff for the kids, and once again, didn't want change back. It really showed that people are kind, and that something as simple as a lemonade stand can lace us together.
One of our first customers was a man known for his generosity. He drove by and took the time to stop back at his house for money. When he returned, he had a twenty dollar bill with him, which he donated. Despite our protests, he wouldn't take a single glass of lemonade.
Not only were there families from the neighborhood who bought lemonade, there was a construction worker, a grocery delivery driver, and a Fed-Ex delivery woman to whom we sold lemonade. It was amazing how many people took time out of their busy days to help us.
Next, were three girls who walked up with a gallon-bag of change and set it on our table. They had a glass of lemonade a piece, but the money they gave us was around a two-thirds of the profit we made. We were inspired.
Many people stopped, and only a few of them wanted change back. One man simply handed us a large amount of quarters and said, "For your hard work." He didn't ask for anything in return. A woman working day-care with four kids came up to us and said, "It's nap time, but we wanted to make sure we got here." She bought a bunch of stuff for the kids, and once again, didn't want change back. It really showed that people are kind, and that something as simple as a lemonade stand can lace us together.
After the Experience
After the Lemonade Stand was over, we packed up and headed home. We counted the proceeds, and we were surprised, and thrilled, we had raised over one hundred and fifty dollars. The experience was amazing; we drew a line and found that we could exceed the standards that everyone expected of us. We learned that we could work hard and really get something from it. What's to lose? We were saving lives through this one simple act. We learned that every penny counts, and that the small things are the base of the big things. We proved to ourselves and our teacher that we could do something big. And that in itself is life-changing.
We've decided these lemonade stands are going to become tradition. Each year, one different charity will benefit from the money we raise. All because of this lemonade stand, we learned we could do something amazing. So, why not do it again?
We've decided these lemonade stands are going to become tradition. Each year, one different charity will benefit from the money we raise. All because of this lemonade stand, we learned we could do something amazing. So, why not do it again?
Click here to see more Pictures of our Lemonade Stand
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