Today, our charity spotlight is focused on Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a unique non-profit that raises funds to support childhood cancer research. Melissa Jones shares with us the heartwarming story of a young girl, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who has inspired many people around the nation to donate their time, energy, and even funds in support of childhood cancer research. Alex certainly proved that small actions can have a big impact! Read on to discover how Alex’s Lemonade Stand carries on her good work and honors her memory.

Please tell us about the mission of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and how the organization came to be.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $25 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 100 research projects nationally.

The mission of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures; to encourage and educate others, especially children, to raise money for childhood cancer by holding their own lemonade stands; and to expedite the process of finding new cures and bringing them to children with cancer now.

Could you share one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand?

There isn’t just one memorable moment that I can choose.  From listening to Alex’s parents talk about their passion for this foundation to the letters that come in the mail every day from our, something new seems to happen each and every day that I know will stay with me forever. 

Attending Alex’s “Original” Stand for the first time this year can’t be left out of the most memorable experiences I’ve had here at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.  Despite the weather, supporters came out to Penn Wynne Elementary School in Wynnewood, PA to take part in donating, playing games, eating food and most importantly, remembering Alex Scott. It was a special event at the every elementary school that Alex attended.

Please tell us what makes your organization different.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer is different for many reasons, here are only a few:

One Simple Idea, A World of Change: Alex Scott took the “simple” idea of holding a lemonade stand and combined it with the cause of childhood cancer, unknowingly becoming the catalyst for something much larger than she imagined.

Kids Helping Kids: the concept of “fighting childhood cancer, one cup at a time” has allowed people who would not usually participate in fundraising, especially children, to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. Lemonade Stands allow children to be a part of the change. Additionally, Alex’s Lemonade Stands have been organized by a diverse group of devoted volunteers including inner city school children, senior centers, pre-school aged children, college students and even sports enthusiasts.

Bringing Communities Together: Lemonade Stands encourage charitable giving to communities and neighborhoods, making donating simple and rewarding for everyone.

Changing Childhood Cancer, One Research Grant At a Time: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is unique in its approach to providing grants, having donated millions of dollars to support childhood cancer research. One goal is to partner with the staff at leading childhood cancer research and treatment facilities to identify the specific ways to make a difference for children who need advances in treatments now.

Since you know so well what a big difference small actions can make, what are some of the small ways you and your supporters have used Social Media to help Alex’s Lemonade Stand?

Some of the small ways we have used Social Media to help Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation include our Twitter account, Facebook fan page and cause page, as well as our blog.  We make sure to promote all of our social media outlets within each one. For example: tweeting about our blog. 

We really wouldn’t be able to successfully promote our foundation through social media without our passionate supporters.  They help us by retweeting, posting our facebook links, promoting our blog, etc…  We make sure to stay closely connected to everyone that believes in our foundation through all of our social media outlets because that’s how you will get your message out. 

What aspect of social media do you feel has been most helpful in promoting your organization? What advice would you like to share with others who are looking to promote their causes online?

The most helpful aspect of social media in promoting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation would currently be our Twitter account.  It allows us to not only continuously keep our followers updated with important information, but also to interact one on one with our supporters. 

The advice I have for others would be to get a twitter account if you don’t already have one!  We’ve been able to create mutually beneficial relationships with our followers.  I read through all of the tweets we get and maintain a positive relationship with those people who reach out to us.  When you help promote other people’s causes, they will almost always do the same. 

Also, you don’t want to spread your foundation too thin over the internet.  It’s important to closely monitor each social media channel you have because if people feel that you’re not on a personal level with them, they will be less willing to help.  Pick the most effective social media outlets for your specific organization and maintain them as best you can.

What social media channel do you feel has the most untapped potential for Alex’s Lemonade Stand and how do you think it could be used to further your goals?

Seeing as Facebook currently has over 200 million active users, I’d have to say the Causes application on facebook.  It can be used to further our goals by allowing our supporters to donate, recruit members, and/or fundraise on their own time.  Also, they don’t have to actually donate money if they choose not to.  Part of our mission is simply promoting our foundation as well as bringing awareness to childhood cancer.

Facebook is constantly updating their website and applications, improving the opportunities available to those who want to help us in our mission.  With time, I believe that Facebook Causes will definitely benefit our foundation!

What has been your most valuable takeaway from participating in CommuniCause, and what aspect of social media are you most excited about exploring next?

The most valuable takeaway from participating in CommuniCause would have to be getting to see how much our supporters truly care about promoting childhood cancer.  They have helped us by voting, telling their friends to vote, tweeting about it, etc…

I’m most excited about exploring more ways to get involved with our supporters.  We’re always looking to find additional ways we can get the word out about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and childhood cancer, but it’s amazing when you can closely interact with people that believe in us and our mission.

Show us your Twitter skills - in 140 characters or less, tell us what excites you most about CommuniCause.

“CommuniCause excites us b/c we treasure opportunities to connect w/our supporters & enhance the relationship. They’re the reason we’re here

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Thank you Melissa for taking the time to share this information about Alex’s Lemonade Stand. We are inspired by the commitment and generosity of the foundation’s members and supporters. Good luck in these final days of voting in CommuniCause!

Remember, tomorrow is the last day to vote!  Be sure to review our blog tips on breaking into the Top Ten, and use your social media skills to rally your supporters. Check back in tomorrow for our final charity spotlight, and be sure to follow us on Twitter as we tweet the final results to you!

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Twitter: @LauraIles
Phone: 407.838.1010

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