Little girls with big hearts raise money

During the dog days of summer you will often find children fostering their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cold cups of refreshing lemonade for 25 or 50 cents to those in need of relief from the Florida heat. Four young girls, ages 6 to 9, braved the heat on a sultry Wednesday afternoon to sell lemonade and treats, but instead of keeping the money they are selflessly donating half of their $260 proceeds to Grace Medical Home.

“We had a talk about giving to those less fortunate”, said Denise Mackinnon, mother of Gianna and Keira. “Dr. Hardy was their physician before he founded Grace Medical Home. They liked Dr. Hardy and they liked the cause.”

Gianna and Keira attend Lakemont Elementary in Winter Park. Their friends and classmates, Rebecca Bernhardt and Mary Bryce Bernhardt, were also involved in the charitable venture.

“Gianna and Keira knew it would be hot and uncomfortable working outside at mid-day in June but felt if they included a few friends it would be more fun and more people would be blessed by the experience,” Mackinnon said.

The lemonade stand was set up on Old New England Avenue where there is a decent amount of Winter Park traffic. In addition to the lemonade, the girls sold fresh home-baked rice crispy treats and cupcakes along with individually wrapped candies.

In two hours the girls raised $260 and are donating $130 to Grace Medical Home. According to Mackinnon the drinks and treats went fast and the donations continue to come in. “I’m still receiving feedback from friends who intend to contribute to the girls’ effort.”

This is the second time Gianna and Keira have donated their lemonade stand proceeds to Grace Medical Home, and will likely do it again with their friends next year. “It’s a good experience for the girls,” Mackinnon said, “and their big hearts are already making a difference at such a young age.”