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Kids Taking a Stand: A Tradition of Giving

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What started as a small lemonade stand one afternoon in 2007 has turned into an annual tradition that has raised over $300,000 for breast cancer and, more recently, those affected by other types of cancer. Over the years, Kids Taking a Stand has become a household name in Stockton, one that families and supporters look forward to every year. All proceeds help local cancer organizations and families dealing with cancer, all right here in our community!

The BEST part? The entire event is done by kids. From the planning and organizing meetings to the T-shirt designs and treats to deciding exactly where the funds go–it’s all run by the kids! Thinking they were going to have a small lemonade stand in their yard one day has turned into something that touches so many, year after year. 

It all began when Mason and Gavin Merin and family friend Sydney Seligman were looking for something fun to do. Rummaging through their pantry and fridge, they found some goodies and decided to have a lemonade stand in their front yard. That day they raised over $100! Wanting to give to something that had significance in their lives, they decided to donate their earnings to those affected by breast cancer. Seeing the gratification that came with raising funds and helping others, Haley and Lexey Seligman and Brooke and Natalie Davis decided to join the fun. Each year the numbers multiplied and grew to over 75 kids involved in Kids Taking a Stand. Eventually they outgrew the neighborhood and moved the lemonade stand to Lincoln Center, providing even more visibility as well as raising more funds.

Over the years, Kids Taking a Stand has had the opportunity to give back in many ways. They have assembled patient care bags for those receiving cancer treatment and provided Thanksgiving dinner packages with all the fixings along with a gift card to purchase a turkey. With a grant from Rotary Club of Stockton, they were able to purchase robes for patients; DIFF Eyewear provided a donation that allowed them to give patients a fun bag filled with sunglasses, sunscreen and water bottles. A mom and her two children went to Disneyland after her treatment journey, thanks to this group. With each delivery they meet the cancer center staff and patients, seeing the smiles and feeling the gratitude from each one.

This generous group has not gone unnoticed and has received several awards: Values in Action Stewardship Award, 2008; Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award, 2015; O’Connor Society Award – St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2017; and numerous outside grants from community organizations. In 2021, they presented St Joseph’s Cancer Institute with a bell to be mounted on the wall in the Cancer Center for the patients to ring, signifying the end of their treatment journey. Imagine the smiles on the faces of each patient as they finally ring the bell!

As the founders have moved away to attend college and start their careers as young adults, Kids Taking a Stand is looking for more young people to step up to carry on the tradition. This year, they are taking the year off as they build upon what has been started. If you know someone who would like to get involved, please reach out on Instagram or Facebook. The group’s goal is to include as many children as possible and keep this lemonade stand thriving for many years to come.

Make a Donation! 
Venmo: KTAS209
Mail: Kids Taking a Stand; 3966 Glen Abby, Stockton, CA 95219
Please make checks payable to Kids Taking a Stand.
501(c)3: 81-4168960