The Sandpaper: Lemonade Stand Benefits Day Camps for Children With Cancer, Siblings

Siblings Luisa and Enzo Villafranco, ages 9 and 6, have sold a lot of lemonade these past few years – with all proceeds going to a great cause. Each summer, the kids set up a stand near their family’s home on East Nevada Avenue in Haven Beach, and sell the tangy-sweet citrus drink to passersby.

All money collected is sent to an organization the kids have chosen; this year, they selected Sunrise Association. As their father, Bill Villafranco, explained, “Sunrise has a number of day camps across the country. The participants are children and their siblings with a cancer diagnosis.”

Bill, who oversees the endeavor along with the Kids’ mother, Cortney, sees that each year’s donations are matched by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, for which he is a co-trustee.

Earlier this month, Luisa, Enzo and a few friends set up shop for their first round of lemonade sales, and in just a couple hours, they raised $539. During round two, a few days later, the kids raised an additional $400, bringing their total to nearly $1,000.

With the funds from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and a donation from an anonymous donor, the siblings “will be sending Sunrise $3,500 to support kids with cancer and their siblings going to camp,” said Cortney.

“We are super proud,” she added.

The first summer the Villafranco kids sold lemonade – six years ago – proceeds went to Compassion Café, which seeks the integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through hands-on training and employment in a small coffee shop environment on Long Beach Island.

In the following years, funds went to a children’s hospital connected to Columbia University, where Enzo had tear duct surgery when he was younger; then Waves of Strength, another local nonprofit, which provides surfing experiences for children with cognitive and physical challenges; and then, in 2024, York Street Project, which aims to provide an environment to shelter, feed, educate and promote the healing of people in need, especially women, children and their families.

Last year, the children selected Camp H-Town – a free camp in Houston for children affected by cancer, with expansion sites in Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; and Boston, Mass. – as the recipient of their fundraising.

Next summer, be sure to keep an eye out if traveling the back roads of Haven Beach, and stop by for a refreshing, altruistic cup of lemonade.

As Bill noted, “The kids find such meaning in their charitable work.”  —J.K.-H.