Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

(January 17, 2012) - Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) hosted the Sixth Annual Lemon Ball, presented by Volvo Cars and Toys“R”Us with support from Cigna on Saturday, January 14, 2012 raising more than $700,000 for the childhood cancer charity. The Lemon Ball, an evening of cocktails, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions and entertainment, brought together nearly 850 supporters of the Foundation’s mission – a cure for all kids with cancer.

The inspiring evening began when attendees rose to their feet in honor and support of 17-year-old Riley Miller and her family, who were named Stand Hosts of the Year. The Millers, of Bowling Green, KY, have led a community-wide effort to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer in memory of their two young sons who lost their lives to childhood cancer. Thus far, the family has raised an astonishing $140,000. During the exciting live auction, the second standing ovation of the night was given when 19-year-old hero speaker Danny Hammond, who has been battling cancer for over 10 years, took to the stage. After giving a touching and at times humorous speech, attendees were encouraged to fund a childhood cancer research grant in Danny’s honor. The result was astounding when nearly $60,000 was raised designating it as the highest grossing live auction item of the evening.

In addition to the several poignant moments, the gala’s silent auction experienced great success raising nearly $80,000 and the live auction brought in more than $56,000. Among the exclusive items auctioned off: a painting created by Alexandra “Alex” Scott raised $18,000, and tickets and private jet transportation to the Duke vs. UNC basketball game in February netted $20,000. The Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, sent a special video message during bidding for Liz Scott’s famous lemon cookies, announcing that he was adding a plate of his own cookies, a one-of-a-kind lemonade stand cake and behind the scenes tour and line cut to Carlo's Bakery.

The evening also featured the presentation of the Alex Scott Crystal Cup to Harry Rose of The Rose Group, for his continued support of the Foundation and Natalie and Albert Gigliotti of Franklin, NJ, were named Foundation Volunteers of the Year. For more information about the evening, visit www.TheLemonBall.org.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, raising more than $50 million and funding over 200 research projects.