UNITED STATES. Joshua Smith, a 9-year-old Detroit boy decided to help the city emerge from its financial crisis with a lemonade stand. He set up business outside his home in the Russell Woods neighborhood on the city’s west side after he overheard on the radio that Detroit faces a $200 million budget deficit.
Joshua told his family he wanted to do his part to aid the city. His parents encouraged his lemonade stand proposal, put up $100 to buy the items and permitted him to set the prices for his wares. Joshua offered water for $1.00, lemonade and punch for $1.50, and popcorn in sizes small, medium and BIG for $1.00, $1.50 and $2 a bag.
After three days, Joshua had achieved his goal of $1,000. By the end of the week he’d made a $3,392.77 profit. Joshua wants city officials to use the proceeds from his stand to maintain a park and playground in his neighborhood.
Joshua’s initiative attracted national attention and support. Contributions came from the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Uganda and the United Kingdom. Three members of the University of Michigan basketball team visited Joshua and gave him signed T-shirts and hats. They also gave $20 to purchase juice.
Joshua was awarded the Spirit of Detroit Award by a local councilwoman and received a phone call from Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation announced Joshua will receive a $2,000 scholarship when he graduates high school. Its the first time the scholarship has been awarded to someone not in high school.
[...] who supported his desire to help their city, gave him $100 to purchase the supplies. According to Fingerprint Projects, “Joshua offered water for $1.00, lemonade and punch for $1.50, and popcorn in sizes small, [...]