Lemonaid Raises Over $75,000 in Scarsdale

The Robin Hood Foundation, named for the legendary hero of Sherwood Forest who stole from the rich to give to the poor, seeks to redistribute wealth, but does it the legal way. This past weekend, the foundation ran its annual Lemonaid program, in order to raise funds to aid some of New York's neediest.

The Lemonaid program of Robin Hood began more than ten years ago, with the goal of fighting poverty in New York City. The idea is simple, donations go to food pantries and shelters in order to help the poor and homeless eat or have a place to stay. Robin Hood advertises that $1.20 donation pays for a meal, a donation of $30 pays for a metro card for a week, and one of $100 pays for one family to stay a night in a safe homeless shelter. The Lemonaid program involves children in the charity process, and these children have helped to raise more than $1 million in over ten years. Robin Hood as an organization has raised over $2 billion since its conception in 1988. What's more, since the funding for the Robin Hood programs is separate from donations, coming from a Board of Directors made up of celebrities and Wall Street Executives, 100% of donations go directly to organizations to fight poverty.

Scarsdale residents have participated in Lemonaid for the past 10 years, and each year has been more successful than the last. On Sunday May 31, over 100 families participated in the program and raised more than $75,000 for the poor in the NYC area. Area chair Linda Plattus thanked the entire community for their contributions, saying that this event is "an amazing day where kids learn about Robin Hood's mission and then rally together with their friends to collect money in support of the fight against poverty." Stands were set up all over town; in the village in front of Zachys, Metro Deli and Decicco's, and at the five corners.

Last year, the Scarsdale and Greenwich areas combined to raise over $100,000 to fight poverty in New York City, and this year, Scarsdale raised three-quarters of that on its own.

Robin Hood Executive Director commented, "Lemonaid is one of our favorite events of the year because it's an easy and fun way for children and their families to help others. All of us at Robin Hood appreciate the giving spirit of kids and thank them for their enthusiasm, creativity and concern for others. They inspire us."

Kids and families who want to set up their own Lemonaid stands in the future can download a how-to kit at www.robinhood.org/lemonaid or contact [email protected] for more information.