Last year, Greece News shared the story of four-year-old Stella Benedict, who set up a lemonade stand to raise funds for neighbors who had lost their home to a fire. This July 4th, the same Berkshire Drive neighborhood suffered another loss.
Stella’s mother, Lea Benedict, heard sirens and Stella called out that there were firetrucks. Lea assured her daughter that they weren’t for their street this time. Stella ran to the door and insisted the trucks were indeed parked on their street. “It was déjà vu!” Lea said. Her husband, Chad, had been outside watering plants when he heard the sirens and looked up to see black smoke coming from a house down the street. They quickly discovered that their neighbors’ home was on fire. Thankfully, all members of the Licata family were out of the home.
Just like after their first neighborhood fire, Stella, now age five, was inspired to help her neighbors “come home soon” by setting up a lemonade stand on Friday, July 19. Stella generously donated 100% of the proceeds to help her neighbors as they begin the long journey of rebuilding and healing.
“As parents, my husband and I felt it was important for the kids on the street have a positive fire truck experience,” Lea said. “We went in person to invite the firemen to Stella’s lemonade stand. Lo and behold, they remembered her from last year, and they happily stopped by!”
The Ridge Road Fire District Chief brought along two trucks and his team, too. The firemen met with all the kids, gifted them with fire hats and stickers, and let them all take turns sitting in the driver seat of the truck.
Lea said that it was an amazing experience for the kids. “The fire chief was honking down the street and exclaiming, ‘Stella has the best lemonade stand in town!’ The kids all pitched in to help with lemonade stand, and they all had pompoms and were waving the chief down!”
Lea said, “They all left with smiles on their faces, and we hope the experience brought each child comfort amidst any of the worry and/or sadness they may have felt.”
Provided photos
