On Sunday, July 22, volunteer Mason McCann of Egg Harbor Township was serving up lemonade and selling bright yellow T-shirts to people attending Lucy’s 137th birthday party.

MARGATE – It’s become a tradition at Ventura’s Greenhouse Bar and Grill to support good causes. For the third year running, Lemonade Days at the beachfront hot spot is raising funds for pediatric cancers and honoring local survivor, Kylee Crowley, 4, of Ocean City, who’s mother was a server at the restaurant.

The stand is set up on the sidewalk across from Lucy the Elephant 1-3 p.m. every other Saturday all summer long.

According to Jackie Lenegan of Ocean City, the restaurant’s public relations coordinator, the effort raised more than $20,000 in the first two years to help the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation fund research and new treatments for children battling cancer.

“That’s a lot of money and we hope to raise another $10,000 or more this summer,” she said.

On Sunday, July 22, volunteer Mason McCann of Egg Harbor Township was serving up lemonade and selling bright yellow T-shirts to people attending Lucy’s 137th birthday party.

“Riley Ann was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when she was just 8 months old,” longtime restaurant manager Barbera Scheetz said. “The next summer, we decided to so something to honor her and my nephew helped us get an Alex’s Lemonade Stand together.”

There’s even an adult version of Alex’s Lemonade made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka that’s served at the bar.

Riley Ann is now 4 years old and cancer free.

“She’s doing very well, and we are proud to be part of it,” Scheetz said.

The restaurant has also been putting up a Giving Tree during the winter holidays for the past 15 years, she said.

“As soon as we put up the tree, our customers pick the cards off the tree and buy gifts for children in need. We try to grant each child three wishes.”

Scheetz said the tree helps 100 children every holiday season.

The restaurant also supports the Dean Randazzo Cancer Fund, Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Field of Dreams.

The next Alex’s Lemonade Stand will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.

 


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.