Local Realtors Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Juices Out Proceeds For Sick Kids Foundation
/For the fourth consecutive year, local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti utilized the classic concept of a lemonade stand to raise money for SickKids Foundation at the Westdale United Church on Friday morning.
The Gemmiti and Hatzianastasiou families coming together for the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Hundreds of people lined up to enjoy pizza from Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, homemade chocolate chip cookies (made by Dan and Dion) and lemonade. The stand accepted donations for SickKids Foundation on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken in front of a large banner hanging on the side of a trailer.
The community came out in strong numbers, as this year’s turnout was significantly larger than in years prior, according to the brothers.
“Our community is the greatest,” said Dion. “The support they gave us was unbelievable, and we're just so grateful that people come out and support such a great cause like SickKids.”
“It's not just today, it's weeks before this,” explained Dan. “My Grade 1 teacher sent money to us just to support our lemonade stand. People are so enthralled with giving to SickKids, it's incredible. People are amazing.”
Guests show up and tell both brothers about their experiences and stories with SickKids that are inspirational and feel-good stories said Dan and Dion.
“We have so many people who are affected by issues that they need to go to SickKids and we hear so many great stories going to SickKids and how incredible this place is,” explained Dion. “It's helping our most vulnerable, our youth, which is wonderful.”
“It's year after year when people come and tell us a story,” said Dan. “Last year it happened and this year it happened, where we both got the tears in our eyes because people told us a story. My heart is breaking listening to it but it's SickKids, they save their kids' lives and then they're very generous with their donation.”
