Hot, sunny, humid days mean one thing here at the Nilfisk Industrial Vacuums office….LEMON DAYS!   2011 will mark the 4th year we’ve held this annual event, a 2-day fundraiser in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). To us, ALSF is a local charity with a worldwide reach. It was started by 4 year old Alex Scott, a cancer patient who wanted to raise funds to help her doctors find a cure for her cancer.  She decided on a lemonade stand in her front yard, and boy did she take the phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” to a whole new level. That first year, she raised $2,000.

While bravely battling her own cancer, Alex continued to hold yearly lemonade stands in her front yard to benefit childhood cancer research. News spread of the remarkable sick child dedicated to helping other sick children. People from all over the world, moved by her story, held their own lemonade stands and donated the proceeds to Alex and her cause.

In August of 2004, Alex passed away at the age of 8. At the time of her death, her efforts helped raise over $1 million to help find a cure for the disease that took her life. Alex’s family – including brothers Patrick, Eddie, and Joey – and supporters around the world, are committed to continuing her inspiring legacy through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To date, the foundation has raised over $40 million, used towards cancer research, treatment, and a travel fund for those who have to travel to receive care.

Inspiring, huh?

This year, Nilfisk’s Lemon Days will be held Wednesday, June 8th and Thursday, June 9th from 7:30am-1:30pm. The event will feature a lemonade stand in our company’s front lawn, filled with lemonade, lemon treats, and even a raffle to win a free Nilfisk GD10 Back Vacuum. The lemonade stand is open to the public, and we hope our new neighbors stop by for a refreshing treat and to tour our new headquarters here in Morgantown, PA. In addition, our employees will be treated to a kick-off BBQ and a silent auction. 100% of proceeds will be matched by our company and donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!

For more information on Alex Scott and her beautiful legacy, visit www.AlexsLemonade.org. If you’d like to make a donation and help us find a cure, one cup at a time, please visit Nilfisk’s online donation page: http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/73180