Uncertain times call for uncertain measures. Since many people are struggling with issues due to COVID-19, others are uniting in an effort to make an impact against this pandemic.
Enter Jesse Kay and his team. Kay, a sophomore at Stevens and one of the founders of the Makin’ Lemonade Fund, was just like each and every one of us: sitting at home, completing online assignments one after another. While at home, he and his friends grew restless about not being able to help our community fight COVID-19. Not only did they want to help their communities, but they also wanted to give other students the ability to help their communities. When they brainstormed ideas, another founder, Alex Sheinman, thought of creating a virtual lemonade stand, and so the Makin’ Lemonade Fund was born.
The Makin’ Lemonade Fund’s mission is to provide support for several foundations which are helping those out on the front lines, battling against this deadly virus. They have a GoFundMe page where people can donate. The donations will be sent to one of three foundations: the CDC Foundation, Feeding America, and the Direct Relief Fund. The CDC Foundation works directly with the CDC and provides funds for them to work on the vaccine and cure. Feeding America provides meals for those who cannot afford them, and every dollar contributed helps provide at least 10 meals for families in need through their network of food banks. The Direct Relief Fund helps provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers involved in the COVID-19 response. Donations to each one of these organizations can help individuals in our communities who are adversely affected by this pandemic.
During Kay’s interview, he talked about how much money college students spend over the course of one weekend. He noted that college kids may spend over $150 per weekend, going out to dinner and having fun. While everyone is home, that $150 to $200 is not being spent every weekend, so Kay says it could be donated. That money could be very helpful for those who are negatively impacted by COVID-19. He encourages college students, not just at Stevens, but all across the country, to donate any amount. Each donation makes a difference.
In the first 8 hours, the team exceeded expectations and raised over $4,000. Within the first 24 hours, the donations surpassed over $7,000. So far, only college students have donated. This fundraiser gives millennials and Generation Z a chance to make an extraordinary impact on the community. This amazing team continually expands and you could be next. If you want to join this great cause as many others have, go to the link below and direct message the group through their GoFundMe page. Kay says anyone is welcome to join. As a community, we have a responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. A small donation can have a massive impact on others. The more we unite, the quicker we will defeat this treacherous virus once and for all.
GoFundMe for the Makin’ Lemonade Fund: bit.ly/lemonadefund
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