In the aftermath of the devastating Kerr County floods, young residents Graham Goodin, Caden Wallace, and Everly Wallace took matters into their own hands with a heartfelt fundraising effort.
After hearing the tragic news regarding the floods and the countless lives impacted, including many children from Camp Mystic, the trio decided to set up a lemonade stand as a way to support recovery efforts.
Graham, a 12-year-old, shared that he only informed his parents of his business plans at the last minute, around 9 a.m. Saturday morning.
Rallying his friends and gathering supplies, Graham quickly organized an old-fashioned lemonade stand to raise funds.
By 10 a.m., the kids had assembled their stand, complete with colorful decorations and a sign that read, “Lemonade, $1. All proceeds go to Camp Mystic.”
Setting up under a bright yellow umbrella, they braced for a busy day.
The lemonade stand was met with overwhelming support from the community. Rather than sticking to the expected dollar for their refreshing drinks, many customers generously tipped.
A group of Dallas firefighters who stopped by gave $40, while one woman contributed two $50 bills, leaving Graham momentarily speechless with gratitude.
The children worked tirelessly throughout the day. As the afternoon progressed, they noticed a dip in sales but continued to serve the occasional passerby.
At around 5 p.m., a man pulled over in a gray SUV asking for a lemonade. After a brief exchange, he handed over a stack of $1 bills along with a tip, further contributing to the cause.
Graham enthusiastically thanked him as he placed the money into a small wooden chest designated for their donations to help rebuild Camp Mystic.
Graham’s father, Greg Goodin, expressed pride in his son’s efforts, describing the initiative as a perfect blend of old-school charm and purpose.
Throughout the day, the effort proved profitable, with the team managing to raise an impressive total of $550.
Greg emphasized the importance of their actions, stating, “We can go down there and take them supplies — or we can do our best, right where we are… and then you attach a good cause to it? Man, it’s wildfire.”
Graham noted the importance of the message behind their fundraising efforts, acknowledging the significant impact the floods had on the community.
He recognized that people were not merely participating in a trend but were acting to support those who had lost so much.
After their hard work, Graham and Caden’s families attended church the following morning.
Upon returning home, they were eager to operate the stand once again.
They aimed to do their best right where they were, showcasing resilience and community spirit through their lemonade sales.
The children’s efforts highlight a profound commitment to aiding their community during a time of tragedy, channeling their creativity into tangible support.
Ultimately, the lemonade stand served as more than just a source of refreshment but as a beacon of hope for those affected by the floods in Kerr County.
image source from:dallasnews