YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE LEMONADE DAY

Five-year-old Breanna developed a keen marketing strategy to sell lemonade. She dressed up as a princess and set up her stand outside the Kroger in Garner. It was unusually hot on May 5, which increased her sales.

“That’s what princesses do,” exclaimed Breanna. “They give back.”

Breanna wasn’t kidding. She raised more than $130 in just two and a half hours. She donated part of her proceeds to a family friend who has mounting medical bills. Breanna was just one of nearly 2,000 children who participated in Triangle Lemonade Day. The YMCA of the Triangle sponsored the event in this region.

“The YMCA of the Triangle has a long history of developing young leaders,” said Dawn White. Dawn is a youth programs director at the Cary FamilyYMCA and led the Triangle Lemonade efforts for the YMCA of the Triangle. “Our Y encourages young people to be civic-minded, socially responsible and to learn new skills. The Lemonade Day program aligns perfectly with our efforts.”

Lemonade Day was created in Houston in 2007. This nationwide free, fun, learning program teaches kids how to start, own and operate a business – a lemonade stand. Children learn goal-setting and problem-solving skills. Children are also encouraged to give a portion of their proceeds to a charity of their choice.

The YMCA of the Triangle is just one of 31 cities who participated in National Lemonade Day 2012. Visit LemonadeDay.org to learn more and check out the video on YouTube.

Breanna felt confident about the return on her investment.

“I have magical lemonade,” said Breanna. “But, I can tell you. It’s strawberries.”