Local youth will once again participate in a national lemonade stand event on May 18, 2013. Lemonade Day is a free, nation-wide program dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate their own business through the simple and time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand. Young entrepreneurs will hit the streets and learn a valuable lesson for business success in their youth: don’t wait to find a job, create one.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) along with title sponsor Frontier Communications brings this program back to the Wabash Valley.
“The results were overwhelming,” said Courtney Richey, the director of graduate admission at SMWC. “Nearly 300 children participated in our first year. They learned about budgeting, profit, marketing and the important lesson of giving back.”
Through the program, youth learn valuable real life skills by owning and operating their own business. They also gain the opportunity to “spend a little, save a little and share a little,” by donating a portion of their profits to a local charity of their choice. After covering expenses and paying back their investors, the children are encouraged to open a youth savings account. With the help of partners like Google, Lemonade Day will bring this entrepreneurial experience to 1 million kids in 100 cities across America, sparking entrepreneurship and empowering youth in a way that’s never been done to scale.
Marc Evans, regional general manager at Frontier Communications shared reasons why Frontier continues to sponsor the event. “Entrepreneurship is another avenue that we as a community can help the youth create and realize their dreams right here in Terre Haute,” explains Evans. “It is important to start educating our children about entrepreneurship at a young age so they have the chance to find their passion and make the most out of their lives.”
On Lemonade Day, everyone has a job – either buying or selling lemonade. Residents are encouraged to simply purchase a cup of lemonade or help a child participate in this fun and exciting opportunity to start their own business. Either way, on Lemonade Day everyone in the Wabash Valley community can positively influence the future of its youth.
Last year, children set-up lemonade stands in front of homes and businesses.
Supporting businesses and organizations included:
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Frontier Communications
Baesler’s Market
Bright Ideas
Duke Energy
Garmong Construction
Honey Creek Mall
Ivy Tech Community College
Lamar Advertising
Louise’s Pizzeria
Tabco
Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce
Terre Haute Savings Bank
Terre Haute Tribune Star
WTWO
100.7 Mix-FM
102.7 WBOW-FM
Portions of the participants’ profits were generously donated to Riley Children’s Hospital, Terre Haute Humane Shelter, Vigo County YMWC, Union Hospital Foundation and Unity Presbyterian Church Food Pantry.
An added feature this year includes the opportunity for a business to sponsor a participant through a financial contribution and to welcome the lemonade stand in front of the business.
Organizers anticipate about 500 children will be involved this year. Early Registration is now open online at terrehaute.lemonadeday.org. Educational workshops including tips on how to sell will begin in April. For information about sponsorships and partnerships, contact Courtney Richey at (812) 535-5186 or .