Local youth turn lemons into lemonade

Thousands of young New Orleanians fanned out across the city in early May for Lemonade Day. From simple clothed-covered tables to more elaborate, well-crafted stands, children of all ages participated in the national event designed to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow.

Started in Houston in 2007, Lemonade Day has grown from 2,700 kids to 120,000 kids in 31 cities across America and Canada. Lemonade Day was brought to Louisiana in 2010 by entrepreneurs John Georges (CEO of Georges Enterprises) and Todd Graves (CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers). 

Each child that registered for Lemonade Day received a backpack with an Entrepreneur Workbook that teaches them the 14 lessons of Lemonade Day like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community. Along the way, they acquire skills in goal-setting, problem solving, and gain self-esteem critical for future success. They keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some by donating a portion to a charity of their choice.