Registration now open for 23rd annual Anthem LemonAid citywide fundraising event

Registration for one of Richmond’s most beloved summer fundraising events, Anthem LemonAid, presented by Richmond Ford, is open. The 23rd annual Anthem LemonAid will take place over the weekend of July 21-23, 2023. During the weekend event, hundreds of lemonade stands will pop up throughout the Richmond region to benefit hematology and oncology services at CHoR.

Each year, an Anthem LemonAid ambassador is selected to help promote the event. This year’s ambassador is Kyleigh Beasley, a seven-year-old patient at CHoR who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in the soft tissue, in June 2022. A year after being diagnosed with cancer, Kyleigh was unanimously nominated by the hospital team to serve as Anthem LemonAid ambassador, encouraging others to support the hospital where she is receiving life-saving care. Her role as ambassador will allow her to participate in local community engagement event opportunities and host her own stand encouraging others to support the cause.

“I am excited to share my story and talk on the news,” said Kyleigh, who is looking forward to hosting her own lemonade stand with her siblings.

Anyone who is interested in hosting a lemonade stand is encouraged to register now to secure a kit. Registration is free and the kit includes lemonade mix, cups, a pitcher and Anthem LemonAid signage. Registrants will receive an online fundraising page that can be personalized with their story and sent to friends and family to boost participation.

Anthem LemonAid is excited to bring back the fan-favorite, Restaurant Challenge sponsored by CBS 6. Local restaurants have the opportunity to participate by creating a lemon-inspired dish or drink to sell anytime now through July 23rd and donate a portion of the proceeds at the end of the event. The business that raises the most funds will win an advertising package from CBS 6, valued at over $1,500.

Visit https://www.anthemlemonaidrichmond.com/ for details on how to register.

Registration will remain open until July 18 at 8 p.m. LemonAid stand kit pickup will be held on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20. Once registered, additional details about kit pickup will be provided closer to the event.

“This fundraising event truly captures the spirit of CHoR and highlights the good that can come when our community rallies behind a common goal,” said Lauren Moore, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Whether you have a personal connection to the hospital or simply find joy in giving back to patients and their families, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participant, donor, and lemonade-lover for their unwavering dedication, time and enthusiasm. Every single contribution makes a meaningful difference.”

“Hundreds of lemonade stands will pop up throughout the Commonwealth during the weekend of July 21st to benefit hematology and oncology services at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU,” said Monica Schmude, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. “We have been honored to participate in this summertime tradition for 23 years and look forward to continuing to make sweet lemonade to support vulnerable boys and girls across Virginia.”

Since the event’s inception in 2000, Anthem LemonAid has raised more than $1,534,470 for CHoR. For more information on the 2023 event, visit  www.anthemlemonaidrichmond.com/register.