Girls Raise Over $2K From New Berlin Lemonade Stand For DSAW

NEW BERLIN,WI—Two youngsters made a difference over the weekend with a lemonade stand. Maddy Stannis, 11, and Julia Aguilar, 8, held their second annual fundraiser to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin.

Marita Stannis, who is on the Board of Directors for the Greater Milwaukee chapter, said the girls raised over $2,000. By Saturday afternoon, they went through 15 gallons of lemonade.

The girls, both who have Down syndrome, were helped by their families and friends.

Maddy's parents, Kevin and Marita Stannis, and Maddy's 5-year-old brother, Oliver, helped pour lemonade and take in donations. Julia's mother, Julie Aguilar, who is on the DSAW Board of Directors and her father, Jorge Aguilar, were also assisting. Both families were thrilled to report a family came up from Appleton just for the event.

"One person said her sister has Down syndrome and she is 22. She gave us $22," Julie Aguilar told Patch.

The New Berlin Fire Department stopped by in a fire truck. Another surprise was a big group of people on motorcycles.

'From scary to hope'

DSAW's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Dawn Nuoffer, Executive Director of DSAW, said it is a family organization. When one group does something like the Saturday event, everyone supports each other.

"It has a been a tough year (due to the pandemic) for nonprofits but especially for one that is so largely donation driven," Nuoffer told Patch.

Nuoffer added, to have families come out in such an enthusiastic way like Stannis and Aguilar, is overwhelming.

"DSAW does a lot of programming from baby on up for people who have Down Syndrome," Marita Stannis, Maddy's mother, said.

Stannis said they provide webinars, training for parents, teachers, and other useful information. The organization also reaches out to expectant mothers.

Nuoffer explained the Parent's First Call Program through DSAW. The organization offers up-to-date resources and the opportunity to connect with other parents who have had similar experiences and more.

"The time from scary to hope has gone from weeks to years- to now days," Nuoffer said.

Aguilar also praised the organization for all the educational resources.

"If you talk to any of us parents with children with Down syndrome, it is actually a blessing. You can't imagine how much they teach you," Aguilar said.

Julie described her daughter Julia as someone who enjoys swimming, music, and doing ballet. Julia was happily munching on M&Ms and had melted chocolate on her face.

Her father Jorge wiped off her face and she smiled brightly. She reached up toward him and Jorge held her in a tight hug.

"She is just a happy little girl," Julie Aguilar said.