LemonAid is a fundraiser established after the September 11, 2001, attacks to do something positive to commemorate the day and to benefit the community. Every year on September 11th, the residents of the 700 block of Bonnie Brae in River Forest hold the event to aid local charities that support children. The event has grown consistently each year with last year’s total proceeds surpassing $34,000 from individual and corporate sponsors.
“We are thrilled to be chosen as one of this year’s LemonAid recipients,” said Executive Director Merry Beth Sheets. “For over 120 years Hephzibah has depended on the kindness and generosity of our community as we work together to protect children and strengthen families. The efforts of the families involved in LemonAid are a beautiful example of what caring communities can accomplish together.”
Hephzibah Children’s Association was the very first recipient of the 9/11 LemonAid stand grant in 2002 of $400. We are so grateful to be honored again this year sharing the proceeds with Beat the Streets, a nonprofit wrestling program for boys on the west side of Chicago.
The LemonAid grant will be used to support Camp HepSIBah Summer Sibling Camp, a week-long summer camp that reunites brothers and sisters who have been separated and are living in different group, foster, and adoptive homes.
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Seventy-five percent of all children in substitute care are separated from their siblings when they are removed from their homes. This happens for several reasons, including age, level of services each children requires, and availability of space in foster homes
For most of the children, Camp HepSIBah is their first summer camp experience. The camp is held at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Illinois and is filled with typical camp activities such as canoeing, archery, swimming, and cookouts. The kids gather nightly around the campfire for songs and s’mores. It is a fun week enjoying activities and nature while cementing the precious bonds with their siblings.
Camp HepSIBah is made possible by private funding from individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations. To learn more about funding or sponsoring this vital program, please contact Development Director Juliet Yera, jyera@hephzibahhome.org, (708) 649-7158.
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