Young entrepreneur, Mercedes Alonso, tended to her lemonade stand sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston in Café on the Court during National Lemonade Day, raising close to $500 for the House.

 

One would never know that this sweet little girl with a beautiful smile was born here at UTMB as a preemie at 1 lb. 6 oz. The family’s love of the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston comes from the fact that Mercedes’ mother lived there for 6 months until Mercedes weighed enough to go home. She is now a healthy 8 year old living in the Beaumont/Orange area. She continues to visit her doctors at UTMB and she always looks forward to visiting the House.

 

The Galveston Lemonade Day committee, through the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and in coordination with the Ronald McDonald House-Galveston Board, brought Lemonade Day, a national event with programs in 39 cities across the country, to UTMB on Friday, May 3. The program encourages local youth to become budding entrepreneurs with a small business practice by building lemonade stands and selling lemonade, as they learn about planning, teamwork, making a profit, marketing, and giving back to the community.

Thanks to all who supported these inspiring young entrepreneurs. All proceeds from the stand will go to support the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston to provide a "home away from home" for the children who are receiving medical treatment at UTMB and Shriners Burns hospital.