Thousands of Kids Gear Up for Lemonade Day

Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor with a Lemonade Day entrepreneur.

Lemonade Day is just around the corner and Imperial Sugar Company is getting into the swing of things once again as title sponsor.

In its fourth year, Lemonade Day is a national, community-focused event that teaches children how to start, own and operate their own businesses by setting up lemonade stands. Thousands of lemonade stands are expected to dot the country in 14 cities on Sunday, May 2.

“Lemonade day will include the participation of 150,000 children in Houston, alone, each with a caring adult supporting them and the purchasers of over 3 million glasses of lemonade, said John Sheptor, chief executive officer of Imperial Sugar Company. “Children from all types of home conditions will enjoy their first experience in business, many of which will have a transformational event that will change the direction of their lives.

“They will execute their business plan, market their product, change their direction in response to customer interests, financially account for their business performance and share their earnings with those less fortunate. Most will never have earned their own money and they will begin to believe in their future – hope for a life different than they currently face. Lemonade day is a life moment for many children inviting them into a much brighter future.”

Lemonade Day originated in Houston in 2007 and is being replicated in many other cities. Nearly 27,400 youth registered for lemonades stand last year.

The creator of Lemonade Day is Michael Holthouse, who also is co-founder of Prepared 4 Life, a non-profit organization providing after-school programs in seven, inner-city Houston middle schools.

Last year's Lemonade Day winner Diane Hoff (center) and her family won a trip to Washington, D.C., and dinner at the home of Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor and his wife Tiba.

“This is a day that has forever changed lives and given thousands upon thousands of children hope for today and tomorrow,” said Holthouse. “But, we recognize that the success of this effort is dependent upon so many businesses and individuals. We are truly honored and humbled by the commitment of Imperial Sugar, who as a committed corporate citizen, understands the role they play in helping the youth of tomorrow.”

Sales for last year’s event totaled just over $2.2 million. From those proceeds, the young entrepreneurs chose to give back $500,000 to their favorite charities.

Learn more about Lemonade Day … click here.