What was your first job as a child? For many, it was setting up their very own lemonade stand on their front lawn or sidewalk. Lemonade Day Detroit is taking that to a whole new level this year in a community-wide event in June.
The program started in Houston in 2007 and has now gone national with 28 cities participating this year. Lemonade Day Detroit will teach children how to start, own and operate their own business by opening a lemonade stand on June 12, 2011.
From stock control to profit margins to costomer service, the children will learn entrepreneurial skills they can use in the future.
We believe in Lemonade Day’s mission to arm our youth with the knowledge that they can do whatever they want, and be successful. At a time when we need to look for ways to show what this region is capable of, who better to inspire us than Metro Detroit’s littlest entrepreneurs? ~ Mike Fezzey, president of Huntington National Bank's East Michigan Region, the Lemonade Day Detroit’s presenting sponsor.
Besides business skills, the program will also teach the children the concept of “spend a little, save a little and share a little.” A portion of their profits will go to a charity of their choice and they will be encouraged to open a savings account with the profits.
They are hoping to have 15,000 children, from pre-kindergarten through high school seniors, participate throughout Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties. Children can register and pick up their free Lemonade Day backpacks at Huntington Bank branches, Lemonade Day Detroit Community Partners and Art Van stores.
In addition, Art Van will be giving the children a chance to win a trip to Disney World. There will also be a contest for “The Most Successful Stand” and “The Best Stand.”
What can you do? It’s as simple as buying a glass of lemonade from one of the participating Lemonade Day Detroit stands in your community. I envision the streets lined with creative stands. And how can you say no to those cute faces? Let the lemonade tasting begin!
Photo credit: pink.polka