Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Will Raise Money For Cancer Patients

ORLAND PARK, IL — When Candice Bielski's then-8-year-old son Austin told her in February 2018 that he wanted to host a lemonade stand and donate its proceeds to charity, she had no way of knowing that his idea would turn into an annual two-day event that now boasts a realtor sponsorship and a donated lemonade cart.

Austin, now 11, will host his fourth "Cups 4 Cancer" lemonade stand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day July 20 and 21 in front of Bielski's home, 12056 Lake View Drive, Orland Park. All proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation – an Orland Park-based nonprofit that provides toys for children going through medical treatment, according to its website.

When Austin originally approached Bielski about hosting the lemonade stand, her thought was to donate its funds to the Ronald McDonald House. However, the mother and son became aware of the Treasure Chest Foundation through Bielski's grandmother, Dorothy Barron, who used to knit hats for the foundation with her neighbors at the Thomas House Orland Park retirement community.

"After talking with Austin, he was like, 'I want to donate the money to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation,'" Bielski said.

Austin raised over $100 for the foundation that year, Bielski said, and he was just getting started.

The following summer, mother and son added water bottles, fruit kebobs and sugar-free lemonade to their offerings, Bielski said, and raised over $1,000.

And not even the coronavirus pandemic could stop the lemonade stand. Last year it raised over $2,000 — all while adhering to pandemic precautions, such as wearing masks and gloves while handing out pre-made cups of lemonade.

"Last year we felt it was extremely important to blow the goal out of the water and have the lemonade stand," Bielski said. "Just because COVID tried to shut the world down, we weren't going to let it affect trying to help children and families that need it. Unfortunately, cancer doesn't just stop."

This year, Cups 4 Cancer continues to grow — through both a donated lemonade stand and a sponsorship from Lemont-based Realty Executives Elite.

After Christine Wilczek of the real estate group expressed interest in sponsoring the lemonade stand, Austin worked with the company's graphic designer to create a souvenir cup, Bielski said. The agency then purchased 1,000 cups for use at the lemonade stand.

Realty Executives Elite has ties to the foundation, as it has raised funds for it in the past, Bielski said.

Not only will this year's lemonade stand feature the souvenir cups, but Candice, Austin and Austin's brothers — Ethan, 13, and Colin, 8 — will serve lemonade from a cart donated to the family from a local parent.

Right after last summer's lemonade stand, the mother reached out to Bielski, asking if she would like a cart to use at future fundraisers. When Bielski picked it up, the mother told her that her son had benefited from the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation in the past.

"It was almost like a passing of the torch," Bielski said.