A Reno family is joining a national effort to fight childhood cancer by hosting their second annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand at Hunter Lake Elementary on June 21.
Kelsey and Jeff Martin, along with their children Cole, 7, and Jaylene, 4, are organizing the event as part of the national Lemonade Days campaign through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
The stand will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school parking lot at 909 Hunter Lake Drive in Reno.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation began in 2004 with 8-year-old Alex Scott, who launched the first Lemonade Days fundraiser with a goal of raising $1 million for pediatric cancer research.
Her determination inspired others to join the cause, and she reached her goal before she passed away.
Lemonade Days events are now held across the country every June.
"In 2025, to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the first Lemonade Days, the event is expanding to June 1–30," organizers wrote. "ALSF has a goal of hosting one in every state this year and we are excited to host our inaugural stand in Reno, NV!"
Kelsey Martin said she was inspired to get involved after learning about the foundation.
"Not only are you able to help families fight the unimaginable but doing it through Lemonade Stands offers such a neat opportunity to get our own children involved," she said. "We always tell our kids, ‘If you can help, you should help’ and this is a way we can teach them how fortunate we are to have our health as well as how we can help children fighting to get theirs back."
She added that her mother, who is now in remission, previously battled multiple myeloma.
"When I think of her journey, I cannot fathom a kid, and their family, going through that," she said.
The event will include music and a play area for children.
Lemonade will be offered on a donation basis, with free lemonade and hugs for children with cancer and their families.
"We are asking the community to spread the word and stop by for a glass of lemonade so we can raise as much as we can to help these childhood cancer heroes, stating that every sip could save a life," Martin said.
For more information or to donate online, visit AlexsLemonade.org.
