Sisters Sofia and Bella Monteleone of West Point, Miss., might be questionable capitalists, but their spirit of philanthropy is tremendous.
In four years, the lemonade stand begun by the Monteleone sisters, and later joined by cousin Kathryn Williams, has raised $9,636 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by providing free lemonade in exchange for a donation to St. Jude. The three girls, Sofia, 12; Bella, 10; and Kathryn, 9, set up the stand in a family friend’s front yard every year during an annual arts festival held on Labor Day weekend in the central East Mississippi community.
“We give away lemonade and we take the opportunity to tell people about St. Jude,” said mom Stacey Monteleone. “We donate every penny we take in, as our family donates the supplies.”
The popularity of the lemonade stand has grown exponentially with each passing year. The first year the girls raised $470; last year the total was $4,635. For 2017, the girls have set a goal of $5,000.
“Families come (to St. Jude) for free, so St. Jude relies on donors to be able to do their research to help the kids,” said Bella.
Older sister Sofia said, “I love to help people and it makes me happy to think I am making a difference in people’s lives.”
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should have to worry about is helping their child live.
The girls begin promotion of the lemonade stand weeks before it opens in September, making announcements at school and church and inviting people to visit the stand and make a donation. Their mom said the project has become more of a drive than a lemonade stand.
“We have given away lemonade in exchange for a $300 donation,” said Stacey. “That is some expensive lemonade.”
The sisters learned about St. Jude through a copy of the St. Jude “ABCs of Cancer” book, based on a patient-created display in the hospital. Their mom, a regional director for Dollar General, was given the book during a tour of St. Jude with her company.
Dollar General is a St. Jude corporate partner, and Stacey’s region is a top St. Jude fundraiser for the retailer and regularly brings teams to St. Jude for tours.
“We as parents feel like it is important to teach our children about service to others,” Stacey said. “What they learn as young children will surely influence them throughout their lives.”
You, too, can help give hope to kids who are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Read more inspiring stories
-
Happy Paw-li-days: Elvis the Elf helps Puggle and Huckleberry celebrate the season
Elvis the Elf keeps a watchful eye on the holiday adventures of hospital dogs Puggle and Huckleberry.
-
A sequence of festive events: ‘Gene Gnome’ delivers holiday hijinks to St. Jude
See how Gene Gnome is bringing some holiday fun to the research community at St. Jude.
-
St. Jude employees have many reasons to say thanks
In a challenging year, read why St. Jude employees are thankful this holiday season.
-
St. Jude resource group supports efforts of veterans, active duty personnel and families
Veterans are an important part of the workforce at St. Jude. Learn how the hospital’s Military Support Resource Group helps employee veterans and active duty personnel.
-
Molecular oncologist Martine F. Roussel, Ph.D., featured in new portrait unveiled at St. Jude
Martine Roussel, Ph.D., is first female researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to receive a commissioned portrait. Read more about her accomplishments.
-
Adoption advocate: Employee shares how St. Jude benefit helped grow her family
Racquel Collins always knew she wanted to adopt. Learn how a hospital benefit eased the process of welcoming her son, Wes, to her family.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude spotlights the stories of some of our talented Hispanic doctors and scientists.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2016 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude spotlights the stories of some of our talented Hispanic doctors and scientists.
-
Preparing for a Pandemic
The staff at St. Jude go above and beyond to ensure patient and employee safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how St. Jude employees collaborate and innovate during this time.
-
Working like a dog: St. Jude Paws at Play celebrates six months of canine care
Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor share their thoughts on how Puggle and Huckleberry have made an impact on the hospital and their lives. Read their reflections.
-
Journey to the Jude: Escaping war and poverty in his homeland, chef Johnny Siv develops culinary talents to feed the St. Jude community
After escaping the war-torn nation of his youth, chef Johnny Siv uses food to give back to the patients at St. Jude. Read more about his remarkable journey.
-
Tracing Martine Roussel’s independent streak from Africa to the National Academy of Sciences
Martine Roussel, PhD, is renowned for investigations into molecular-level causes of cancer and strategies in developing new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Read about her journey.
-
Chaplain Kimberly Russell uses creative talent to adapt spiritual care board for St. Jude patients
Learn how St. Jude chaplain Kimberly Russell helps non-verbal patients communicate spiritual needs.
-
Welcoming all who enter
Janice Ivory has given out tens of thousands of smiles to the patients, staff and families of St. Jude over the last 32 years.
-
Celebrating Black History Month
We reflect on our heroes: doctors, patients and supporters who have been a part of our lifesaving mission.