Girl's Lemonade Stand Honors Aurora Restaurant Owner's Legacy

When Ava Miesowicz wanted to try running a lemonade stand, she knew exactly who to honor with the proceeds.

The Newmarket girl set up shop outside her home on Canada Day to raise money for Tina's Grill in Aurora, where co-owner Sam Saberi had built a reputation for extraordinary kindness before his sudden passing last April. Every dollar she raised would feed someone in need through the restaurant's give back wall, where meals are provided free and matched by the restaurant.

Ava's mother Justine said Saberi made everyone who walked into his restaurant feel like family. He gave away dozens of turkeys each Thanksgiving and Christmas, fed struggling families for free, and performed countless quiet acts of generosity throughout the community.

The Canada Day timing carried extra meaning. It marked both the restaurant's anniversary and a chance to continue Saberi's legacy of care.

Saberi himself was a champion of young entrepreneurs. "If you ever see kids doing a lemonade or bake stand, stop. Support them," he posted on Facebook just months before his death. "Let's give love and kindness to all your future entrepreneurs!"

After days of preparation, Ava opened for business with flavored lemonade and snacks. She was nervous but excited. "I was excited knowing that I was going help other people," she said.

Sunny's Take

The response overwhelmed the Miesowicz family. Neighbors lined up to support the stand, and the Facebook post announcing it received dozens of encouraging comments. "Your daughter is an amazing human being, and Sam is smiling down on her from up above," one local wrote.

What started as a girl's first business venture became something much bigger. It showed how one person's generosity can inspire an entire community to keep giving.

Ava discovered what Saberi knew all along: acts of kindness create connections that last. Her lemonade stand brought neighbors together and introduced her to the joy of helping others.

"We hope we're making Sam proud," Justine said. The family plans to continue supporting the give back wall and encouraging others to join them in taking care of their community the way Saberi did.