Local Family Hopes to Raise $5,000 for Leukemia with Lemonade Sale

It all started when Lael Porcelli's niece, Katie, was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2003 and the family was devastated.
According to Porcelli, her niece bravely endured over two years of chemotherapy and is now 10 years cancer free. The entire family and community has gotten involved with fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, with the hopes that someday there will be a cure for Leukemia. 

In August of 2007 Porcelli's son suggested a lemonade stand and donate all the money to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in honor of Porcelli's niece. The family sat in front of their house with a small pitcher of lemonade and a card table and raised $200.

In August of 2008 they had their second Lemonade for Leukemia, adding a couple of raffles and some bags of popcorn to their pitcher of lemonade. They raised $800.  

In August of 2009 they held their third Lemonade for Leukemia, with even more raffles, a 50/50, and some baked goodies accompanied and even bigger pitcher of lemonade. They raised close to $2,000.

In August of 2010 the family had their fourth Lemonade for Leukemia and began selling limited edition t-shirts (designed by Porcelli). They added raffles to the mix with "the usual goodies and face painting too." The event raised $2,500.

In July of 2011 the family had their fifth Lemonade for Leukemia event, and even won a spot on News 12. "Along with all the goodies and raffles, and a kids craft table, we sold hot dogs too," according to Porcelli, who said 100 Hot Dogs donated by Wellshire Farms. That year the family raised $3,400.

In July of 2012 they had their sixth Lemonade for Leukemia sale. "We added Rasberry and Lemon Ice donated by Main Street Sweets in Tarrytown to our offerings," said Porcelli, adding that  Wellshire Farms once again donated 100 hot dogs. Continuing the tradition of raffles, baked goodies, limited-edition t-shirts and a kids craft table, and a Slip-n-Slide "for the kids and daring adults," they raised over $4,400.

Every year, since it's beginning, Lemonade for Leukemia is held in honor or in memory of someone in our community. According to Porcelli, this year's event is dedicated to Christine Chu McGovern, who sadly lost her battle in May. This year's goal of $5,000, is in McGovern's memory.

The Lemonade for Leukemia event is August 10th, 12:00noon to 4:00pm at 38 Hobart Avenue, Port Chester.