Support flows for local youth, causes on Lemonade Day

Several local youths squeezed the most out of summer during the 2025 Lemonade Day Kootenai County.

Stands bubbled up across North Idaho as children and teens demonstrated their business acumen and served refreshing beverages, treats and more to delighted guests who included everyone from local first responders and the county sheriff to motorcycle enthusiasts.

Jaxon Lupton, 6, brought in over $4,200, including a $2,200 match from investor and CEO Erik Rock. Jaxon's stand was a tribute to his sister, Jaicey, who passed away in 2023. He donated his proceeds to Make-A-Wish Idaho in her honor and will continue to work with Rock to share his family's story.

"Jaxon is making a whole website for lemonade and Jaicey and will do more lemonade and raising money in the future," Jaxon's mom, Jessica Lupton, said Thursday. "It's crazy how big it got, the choices he made, then Erik stepped in and has given big opportunities to him and more."

Ten-year-old McKenzie McMurray's Lemonade Day stand raised $1,238 that she will donate to the Red and Blue Foundation, which provides support for the families of first responders who are hurt or killed in the line of duty. She said her goal was $2,000, and even though she came in a tad under, she is grateful for the support she received from the community, including her mom and friends who share her vision to help others.

“I learned that it takes a lot of time setting up, and having help with the lemonade stand is much appreciated and needed at times," McKenzie said. "I have a few things to work on and change for next year, but that’s what makes Lemonade Day great: I can work on these for next year and be greater."

Haggen Walker, Key Club lieutenant governor of Division 48 of the Pacific Northwest District, ran the Lemonade for a Cause stand with his Key Club colleagues. They raised $450 for the Thirst Project, through which wells are built in countries such as Africa to bring fresh water to impoverished villages.

"I really personally enjoyed Lemonade Day because I knew it was supporting all the young entrepreneurs in our community," the incoming Coeur d'Alene High School junior said Thursday.

Aspen Pratt, 12, and bestie/business partner Poppie Littleford, 10, made $300 at their Squeeze Sisters stand in Post Falls. They also chose Make-A-Wish Idaho as their beneficiary.

"I really liked meeting new people,” Aspen said Friday.

She said what she loved about Lemonade Day was "just how many people really support us young kids as we’re trying to grow in our entrepreneurship."

She gave a shoutout to her dad, who owns JLM Lawn & Garden, for helping her build a good work ethic.

"He has been a role model for me," Aspen said. "I know if I want something, I have to work hard for it."

This was the duo's first time participating in Kootenai County Lemonade Day — which was in its second year — but they have held lemonade stands many times and will host more this summer.

"Why I like doing lemonade stands is because when I'm older, I want to have a bee farm and own a honey business," Poppie said. "I think this is a perfect start for me to start my own business."

Both young ladies were happy to donate to Make-A-Wish Idaho, an organization that makes dreams come true for kids with life-threatening conditions and illnesses.

"I love helping other people," Aspen said.

"I want them to be happy and feel like they can get better,” Poppie said.

Info: lemonadeday.org

    Jaxon Lupton holds an oversized check Aug. 4 as he donates his Lemonade Day sales to Make-A-Wish Idaho with help from CEO and investor Erik Rock. Also pictured: Michelle John, Make-A-Wish Idaho regional manager.
  

    McKenzie McMurray takes a photo with, from left, firefighter Blaine Porter, Capt. Greg Rod and engineer Bill Dodd of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department as she sells lemonade July 26 during Lemonade Day Kootenai County. McKenzie raised $1,238 she will donate to the Red and Blue Foundation to support families of first responders hurt or killed in the line of duty.
  

    Aspen Pratt, 12, of Post Falls, chats with Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris as she sells lemonade July 26 for Make-A-Wish Idaho.