Simon Hall, a first grader at Liberty Magnet Elementary school sweetly asks, “Would you like a slice of lemon?” as he pours a fresh cup of lemonade at his lemonade stand, which was set up in Vero Lake Estates on Feb. 8.
Simon has been growing his hair for more than three years. As one of the youngest philanthropists in Indian River County, Simon has an appointment on Feb. 14 to cut his long hair and donate it to Wigs for Kids. Wigs for Kids is a non-profit organization that provides hair replacement systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, Alopecia, burns and other medical issues at no cost to the children or their families.
Deciding to donate his hair was the first step for Simon. When he found out that it cost $1,800 for a hair replacement system for one child, Simon contemplated how he could make that happen. Simon, with the help of his family, set up his lemonade stand to raise the $1,800. The family also created a “Wigs for Kids” fundraiser, which they shared on social media.
The lemonade stand received a steady flow of friends, families, neighbors and community members stopping by to say hello, enjoying some of Simon’s lemonade and making a donation to support the cause.
Each person had the opportunity to sign a banner that was displayed.
“We are so humbled by the whole experience and the outpouring of support from the community,” said Samantha Wheatley, Simon’s mother. “When the fire department and four police cars showed up to get lemonade, I was nearly brought to tears.”
Simon was so excited to have great support including law enforcement and fire fighters.
Simon has had the opportunity to celebrate the act of giving. As many philanthropists will tell you, giving feels good. It is a very rewarding experience to offer support to others in need.
Simon’s lemonade stand raised $906 in three hours. The online campaign has raised almost $270. While the lemonade stand is closed for business, donations can still be made to Simon’s online to the ‘Wigs for Kids’ campaign HERE.
Written by Michele Peters