A corner lemonade stand can be a successful business, especially when it's for a good cause. A nine-year-old boy raised over $3,000 with his lemonade stand to help his hometown of Detroit with its budget deficit.
Joshua Smith had a goal of raising $1,000 to help Detroit with its financial crisis, but he manages to raise almost triple the amount through donations which totaled $2,832.64 after expenses. The money will go towards Detroit's parks.
Smith gained nationwide attention for his good deed. His efforts were recognized by city council member on Tuesday. The city mayor encouraged Smith to keep the money for college, but he insisted that the city gets it.
The council awarded him with an Outstanding Achievement award and a a $2,000 college scholarship from the Rosa L. Parks Foundation. He will receive the scholarship when he graduates from high school as long as he maintains an grade-point average of 2.5, according to Yahoo News.
"I don't know what to say ... thanks!" Smith told CBS Local.
Detroit has a budget deficit of $200 million which has led to layoffs and the closing of several businesses and services in the city. Smith's contribution will help maintain a park in his neighborhood of Russell Woods.
Smith set up his stand last Monday. He sold lemonade for $1.50, water for $1.00 and popcorn and other things. Many of his customers were players from the University of Michigan basketball team and he was given several donations. He closed the stand on Friday.
Smith wanted to help his city after he heard on the radio that it was in trouble. He decided to raise money through the lemonade stand.
Next to his stand, he placed a flyer that read: "May you please help the City of Detroit. Please buy this popcorn and drinks. It's not so expensive. I didn't make it expensive so you would have to spend all your money. The money will help clean up trash on the ground and cut the grass in the parks."
