10-Year-Old Raises $5,000 for Charity Selling Lemonade

Most kids pocket their lemonade stand earnings, but 10-year-old Lexus Bulechek has spent the last six years giving every cent away.

Since her fourth birthday, the West Grove, Iowa, resident has raised over $5,000 through "Lexus Lemonade for a Cause," donating to everyone from local families battling cancer to veterans in need. Her secret? Letting people pay what they want.

It all started with a birthday present: a handmade lemonade stand built from pallets by her uncle Jeremy Sallady. When Lexus planned to sell lemonade at her aunt's garage sale, her grandfather Roger Pettit suggested she donate the proceeds instead of keeping them.

Lexus charged 50 cents per cup at her first stand and made $315. When word spread that the money was going to Shop with a Cop, matching donations poured in. She handed over $1,060 to the program that helps kids go back-to-school shopping with police officers.

"I like to help others," Lexus says simply.

The next year, she switched to a free-will donation model. Some customers drop $100 for a single cup. Others give spare change, and kids without money still get lemonade anyway.

Lexus runs two or three lemonade stands each year, typically on the town square in Bloomfield. In winter, she sets up a "Cocoa for a Cause" stand during Ladies Night, with proceeds going to Angel Tree, a program that helps families at Christmas.

Her menu has expanded from basic lemonade to five flavors plus slushies: original, strawberry, blue raspberry, peach, and raspberry. Each variation gives customers another reason to stop by and support her cause.

The Ripple Effect

Lexus's generosity has touched nearly every corner of Davis County. She's supported the Senior Citizen Center, Look to the Stars Cancer Foundation, veterans groups, and families dealing with pediatric cancer treatments.

Last year, her family created something new: a $650 scholarship for graduating seniors based solely on community service. No GPA requirements, no specific major needed. Seven students applied, and Lauren Davis became the first recipient.

"There are kids who might only carry a 2.0, but they're still worthy of a scholarship if they're going into a school," explains her mom, Melissa Weeks. The family wanted to reward students for giving back, not just academic achievement.

Lexus already held one stand this year that brought in $580 toward a 2027 scholarship. She'll be set up at Meet the Mustangs on August 26 to raise more.

Her favorite part isn't making the lemonade or chatting with customers. "Presenting the money and scholarships to the people," Lexus says. That moment when she hands over the check makes six years of squeezing lemons worth it.