One Part Lemon, One Part Inspiration

Victoria Petrucelly and Jesse Theobald had hoped to raise $50 to fight breast cancer. Instead, they raised almost $24,000.

It all happened this past weekend in Orlando, Fla. Victoria's mother, Angela, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer last year and passed away last month. Victoria and Jesse had the old-fashioned idea for a lemonade stand over a year ago. However, her mom's death brought new meaning to her pink lemonade campaign.

Word got out in the Orlando metro area that something good was happening. The 8-year-old girls, with their friends and classmates, produced 65 gallons of lemonade and served over 1,500 cups during the weekend. The event attracted thousands, with many people handing over donations without even taking any lemonade. Local businesses decided to jump on the band wagon and donate sales proceeds to assist the girls in their project. Local media contributed coverage. And people showed up to help ... and help, and help.

$24,000 later, they presented a check to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

Jesse's mother shared her glee through a press release. "We are hopeful that everyone touched by this story will realize that anyone — even chidren — can make a difference. And most of all, we hope everyone will 'pay it forward' and continue to do good for others."

Read more at the OrlandoSentinel.com.

Photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel