Local News
Glass of lemonade can help make the difference
Now that the Lemonade Girl is almost finished with high school, Wednesday may one of the last times she personally oversees a critically-acclaimed Red Cross fundraiser.
Julia Wynn and a group of like-minded friends will be at Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home, 528 S. Third St., and at both entrances to the Wal-Mart Supercenter Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A glass of thirst-quenching lemonade can be bought for a $2 donation, and anyone who wants to give more is encouraged to do so.
Also, anyone who wants to help sell lemonade, or even help make lemonade, is encouraged to call her at 423-3073, or the Southeast Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross at 423-0481.
Wynn has been hosting the lemonade stands ever since she came up with the idea, five years ago when she was only 11. “I always wanted to have a lemonade stand, just like other kids want to have a lemonade stand,” she said. “I thought that selling lemonade to make money for the Red Cross’s disaster aid would be a great way to give back. It’s really neat and it’s something that is fun to do.
“Every kid’s dream is to run a lemonade stand, especially a really big stand with all your friends with you.
“This lemonade stand is just a dream come true.”
No matter how much fun it’s been, Wynn might not take part in the fundraiser once she graduates from high school. “I may end up going to OU, so I’ll still be around if I decide to help, but my little sister may want to take over. Or she may want to start her own project. But I will do it until I graduate from high school, that’s for sure.”
But what leads a child to want to help others in such a big way? After all, the Lemonade Girl was only 11 when she came up with the idea.
“I noticed, back when I was 11, that we had the OKC bombing, lots of fire going on around here, and the ice storm. The Red Cross was always there at those, and I wanted to help raise money for disaster relief. All the money raised from the lemonade stand stays right here.”
Each year the event is called by a different name. This year’s theme is Lucky Lemons.
Anyone who can come up with a fundraising idea for the Red Cross is encouraged to do so. Wynn, who is a youth member on the SEOCARC board of directors, said, “Being a part of the Red Cross is so much fun. You meet all different kinds of people and collaborate to help others.”
Wynn has been honored by the National Red Cross with a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The project was also featured in a video at the 2005 National Red Cross Convention.
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