By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—On July 19, 7-year-old Pelham resident Gabriel Fox set up a lemonade stand in front of his house. He sold snacks, lemon squares and, of course, lemonade. But this was more than just any lemonade stand; Gabriel donated all of the money he made to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to fund research to find a cure for childhood cancer.

“He wanted to have a lemonade stand, and he’s been learning about the Golden Rule,” Gabriel’s mother, Dana Fox, said. “We tried to think of a way to make this a memorable experience and a way to help people.”

After researching various charity organizations, Gabriel chose the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The organization was started in 2000 by then 4-year-old neuroblastoma patient Alex Scott to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer research and treatment. Although Scott passed away from the disease in 2004, the foundation has continued and has raised more than $80 million by helping people to set up their own lemonade stand fundraisers.

“I think everybody has been touched by cancer in one way or another,” Dana said. “It was nice to see people I don’t know, who don’t know us, and who thought this was a good thing to donate to.”

Gabriel set up the lemonade stand and stood outside from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. hoping to reach his “small goal of $50,” Dana explained. At the end of the day, Gabriel surpassed his goal, raising $85.

Through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Gabriel and Dana also set up a website for online contributions. In total, they raised $401.59 for cancer research, Gabriel said.

“This first time was a success,” Dana said, noting Gabriel’s desire to hold another lemonade stand. “It’s been a positive experience for all of us, and it’s given a lot of people we know a way to feel like they’re doing something to help.”

“I just know it’s good to give money to people who need it,” Gabriel said of his inspiration behind the lemonade stand. “It’s just like the Golden Rule.”

For more information about Gabriel’s lemonade stand to raise money for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit Alexslemonade.org/mypage/1116558.