STURGIS, S.D. — You may know him because the Sturgis Lemonade Kid, and no, that’s not a tribute to an previous Wild West Icon.
It’s the story you may recall of how Wyatt Dennis created a enterprise thanks to a Facebook post. But as he’ll inform you, it wasn’t meant to begin like this.
“We simply thought this was going to be a traditional lemonade stand off of our driveway,” Dennis mentioned. “You know? Just regular, nothing too critical.”
Last 12 months, Wyatt’s Lemonade Stand raised over $32,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Now going into its third 12 months, the stand is trying to elevate round $65,000 for the hospital.
His enterprise will look to accomplish the feat with an expanded operation, together with a picnic desk donated by Black Hills Harley Davidson, transportable bathrooms and a dumpster donated by Kieffer Sanitation.
Also on the new location, a shed, cover and far more parking for the busier occasions.
“It took us about — most likely a few week to make the method,” Dennis mentioned.
Yes, Wyatt has merchandise, tons in actual fact. T-Shirts, eraser backers, tank-tops, poker chips, sweaters, you title it. All to profit the hospital.
As for the key to working a profitable enterprise?
“Ya simply gotta know what you’re doing,” Dennis mentioned playfully.
His dad and mom, Devin and Robin Dennis, additionally work on the lemonade stand.
While their son could joke that he pays with lemonade, Robin says {that a} main type of forex they received again is how the sugary drink are bringing many collectively.
“We’ve been in contact with individuals all 12 months spherical and it’s simply actually cool to have the option to share his life with everyone,” Robin Dennis mentioned.
As for the teachings she’s discovered, assist tops all of them.
“Something that appears small might undoubtedly blow up on you and simply type of maintain on for the experience and go along with it,” she mentioned.
She says she hopes Wyatt has discovered that the sweetness of the state of affairs doesn’t simply cease with the drinks.
“You by no means know what their perspective is once they’re coming in. But if you can also make their day a little bit bit higher, then their day is price it,” Robin Dennis mentioned.
To study extra in regards to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, click here.
If you’d like to assist Wyatt and the stand, you’ll discover him and the household out off Exit 40 at Tilford Road. From there, you’ll flip left on Sturgis Road and journey about three-quarters of a mile earlier than coming to his stand in your proper hand aspect.
The stand opens at midday and closes at 6 p.m. Monday by Friday.
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