Local lemonade stand returns for a good cause

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Local lemonade stand Aunt Mimi’s Lemonade will return towards the end of May.

Aunt Mimi’s lemonade stand started back in 2022. It was a way for young Annalise and Jordan Kenyon to honor their Aunt Mimi who unexpectedly passed away that year.

This year, the lemonade stand is back on and will be honoring veterans, a cause close to the family.

“We’re donating to the veteran outreach center. Well, my great grandpa and grandma were both veterans,” said Annalise.

The first year of the lemonade stand, the donations went to the Animal Welfare League in Trumbull County, where her Aunt Mimi had adopted her dog. Then it went to a foundation for pediatric cancer to honor Jordan’s friend who had leukemia.

In the first year, the stand raised $2,000 and in the second year, it raised $800. The difference almost discouraged Annalise.

“She was kind of not as motivated after last year. She still made a lot more than what a lot of lemonade stands make, but when she was comparing it to the first one, she was like, ‘Well this year is it gonna be worse? Is it gonna be worth it?'” said Annalise’s mother Melissa.

However, Annalise is happy to continue this tradition in honor of her Aunt and aims to raise even more money this year.

“She really meant a lot to me and Jordan. I’m happy I’m able to have a way to remember her, but also kind of sad because it makes me think about her more,” said Annalise.

The stand will also have more than just lemonade. Cookies and handmade crafts from Annalise and Jordan will also be available.

Looking ahead, Jordan had one thing he wanted to say, “Saying thank you to everybody that came.”

The lemonade stand will be held Saturday, May 25 from 12-5 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Park just across from Austintown Fitch Middle School.

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