The Lemon-Aid Project Launches Charity Event For Labor Day Weekend

Kids across Tulsa are setting up lemonade stands over Labor Day weekend to raise money for those in need.

The fundraiser is organized by The Lemon-Aid Project, the nonprofit that started the tradition 30 years ago.

For the second year in a row, local businesses are also joining in. Eleven restaurants and vendors created a lemonade-inspired beverage or treat and are donating a portion of the sales to The Lemon-Aid Project through Monday, September 2.

Three of the participating businesses are located inside Mother Road Market: WEL Bar, Deep Freeze Deli, and Big Dipper Creamery.

"We are doing a Peach Blossom Lemonade," said the General Manager of WEL Bar and Mother Road Market, Daina Paul. "We are using lemonade from Howdy Burger, one of our merchants in here, and then we also have some Elderflower liqueur, vodka, peach, and the lemonade."

She said the drink also comes in a mocktail and costs $5, with 60% of the proceeds going to The Lemon-Aid Project.

Big Dipper Creamery is selling an ice cream float for $6.50 and donating all of its profits to the cause.

"We made a blackberry lemonade float, and it is made with our handmade blackberry ice cream," said owner Brian Cooper.

He admits lemonade and ice cream are an unlikely pairing.

"They can kind of seem a bit bizarre, but you try one, and especially with the right flavor, like blackberry specifically, just pairs really well with lemonade," Cooper added.

On the other side of the food hall, Deep Freeze Deli is selling freeze-dried lemon heads.

"It is just like a regular candy, and he puts it in a machine and freeze-dries it, and it turns out like this," said employee Malinda Gober.

A bag of lemon heads costs $6, and 50% of each sale goes to The Lemon-Aid Project.

All three businesses said getting involved in the fundraiser was a way to give back to the community.

"We all wanted to sell lemonade or did sell lemonade as a child, so it is something that everybody can kind of resonate with," said Paul.

"We just believe in giving back to our community where we work and live in, and that supports us, and The Lemon-Aid Project helps lift up some of our most vulnerable citizens," Cooper said.

This year, The Lemon-Aid Project is benefiting Lindsey House, an organization that provides shelter and support to women caring for children.

For more information about the fundraiser and its events over Labor Day weekend, click here.

The full list of restaurants participating and their promotions can be found here.