Rutgers Prep sixth graders have joined thousands of other kids across the country who are part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This foundation was started by eight year old Alex Scott, a cancer patient who wanted to raise enough money for her doctors to find a cure for cancer. Sadly, Alex lost her battle, but her idea to raise money for pediatric cancer research was brilliant. When she died on August 1st, 2004, she had raised over $1 million.

Rutgers Prep sixth grade teacher Stephen Mitchell saw this as an opportunity. “It’s kids raising money for kids,” he says. “We have so many great opportunities where the community gets together, that this seems to be a great fit. The students get to volunteer, which helps raise their own awareness. The Rutgers Prep student body sees a visible action, which builds community. Alex’s Lemonade Stand gives money to researchers, helping them find new cures for cancer. It’s a win-win-win.”

Athletic and social events throughout this school year will find groups of smiling sixth graders selling lemonade and explaining their purpose in the process. “I want to work in the lemonade stand because if I was sick it would be good to know other kids were thinking of me and trying to help me,” explains Alexandra Pizzuto of Flemington. “We made even more money than we planned! People gave extra donations when we talked to them about why we were doing this. It makes us feel happy when people care that much.”

All across the country people have lemonade stands in their neighborhoods and at community gatherings to raise money for this worthy cause: fighting childhood cancer “one cup at a time”. As of September 2006, Alex’s Lemonade has raised over $6 million. “We hope to be able to do our part, as well,” notes Mr. Mitchell.