When Life Hands you Hydrocephalus…

By Sarah Oxford, Regional Program Manager

Nine year old Alex Rodger is one of the youngest entrepreneurs I know. His mom, Eileen, organizes the South Florida Walk which will take place on Saturday, November 6th. Last year Alex decided he personally wanted to raise funds for “Team Alex”. So he opened a lemonade stand and raised $60. This year, with a few of his fourth grade friends, he raised $200. Here is a brief interview with Alex.

SO: Alex, you started fundraising for hydrocephalus research last year, why?
AR: Well, I love lemonade stands. Every time I go by one, I stop. I think they are pretty cool.  I thought it would be good to do it and raise money for research!

SO: Your revenue tripled this year! What did you do differently?
AR: This year we started doing delivery. I had lots of stuff, not just lemonade and many more helpers. I also mailed a letter to friends, teachers and neighbors about the walk and my lemonade stand.

SO: What is the best part about walk day?
AR: The kid tent! Also, the big shelter and the entire walk around the giant pond. All my friends and teachers come out.

“Team Alex” has raised $10,629 to date with one month to meet their $15,000 goal. Walk chair, Eileen Rodger noted that all of Alex’s friends who worked at the lemonade stand donated their earnings to “Team Alex”. After a delivery, one volunteer exclaimed ” I found Donna, the lunch lady! She gave me $5 for lemonade and I said Thanks! It’s for hydrocephalus research!” 

Thanks to Alex and his comrades for making hydrocephalus a house-hold word in their neighborhood as well as donating their time, energy and lemonade.

Click here to donate or participate in the Florida Walk.