and one very big heart.
It all started with one little girl…
In the summer of 2018, six-year-old Payton set up a lemonade stand with a purpose far greater than lemonade. Instead of earning spending money, she committed 100% of the proceeds to purchasing new toys for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Years earlier, Payton had been a patient herself. During her hospital stay, she received a teddy bear, one that still sleeps by her side every night. That simple gift became a symbol of comfort, courage, and healing. And Payton knew she wanted other children to feel that same sense of hope.
$768
Her very first lemonade stand raised
payton building her very first lemonade stand!
What started as a single afternoon of kindness quickly became something much bigger.
By 2019, Payton hosted her stand again—this time raising nearly $7,000. Word spread. Neighbors noticed. And a community began to rally.
In 2020, the movement officially took shape. We introduced Payton’s Pals and expanded to eight additional lemonade stands across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Even amid a global pandemic, the 3rd Annual Payton’s Lemonade Stand raised over $35,000, proving that generosity doesn’t stop when times get tough.
As the lemonade stands grew, so did our mission.
While supporting patients at Cincinnati Children’s remains at our core, we saw a broader need among children facing medical, economic, and personal hardships. In 2021, we became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to supporting children through partnerships with hospitals, shelters, schools, and other child-focused organizations.
That same year, more than 100 young hosts ran 30 lemonade stands, raising $60,000 in a single day. In 2022, the movement expanded again—50 stands, over 200 kids, and an incredible mix of community partners, from fire departments and soccer teams to Girl Scout troops and front-yard entrepreneurs. Together, they raised $85,000.
In 2023, we reached a major milestone: over $100,000 raised in just one day.
In 2024, that number climbed even higher—to $125,000+.
And then came 2025, our biggest year yet.
The 8th Annual Payton’s Lemonade Stand featured over 100 stands across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, including exciting hosts like Kings Island, senior living communities, and local businesses. In just three hours, our community raised more than $150,000.
What began in one little girl’s driveway has grown into a powerful nonprofit movement, one that brings hope, joy, and support to thousands of children each year. Whether a child is experiencing homelessness, living in foster care, facing medical challenges, or lacking access to basic needs, we are committed to making life a little sweeter for every child we serve.
WHO WE HELP
Our support goes directly to local organizations whose work mirrors our mission of helping children in crisis. We collaborate with trusted partners such as hospitals, shelters, schools, and community nonprofits to meet both immediate and ongoing needs. By investing locally, we maximize impact and ensure every dollar makes a difference for children right here in our community.
LEADERSHIP
