Annual 'LemonAid' event raises money for charity on 9/11

RIVER FOREST, Ill. (WLS) -- The annual LemonAid event on Sept. 11 in west suburban River Forest does much more than sell lemonade. Since its inception, more than $200,000 have been raised for local charities.

This year's even benefitted a youth mentoring group in Chicago's Austin neighborhood called Kidz Express.

The annual party takes a somber day of remembrance and turns it into kids taking action help build a better world. The day of action was established in 2002 in member of the Sept. 11 attacks. Led by two teenage co-chairs, residents in the 700-block of Bonnie Brae sell lemonade and other treats, offer games and live music, all for cash donations.

This year's fundraising goal was $40,000 for Kidz Express. The organization hires deserving teens to mentor at-risk kids that are 10-years-old and younger.

The event is an annual reminder that selfless giving can be infectious, even when it grows out of the shadow of national tragedy.

The 9/11 lemonade stand was originally set up as a way for kids to assist their parents in a good cause, but has evolved into kids taking leadership roles in the planning and execution of the event.