About Us

It all started with one little girl and one big heart.

In the summer of 2018, six-year-old Payton decided to set up a lemonade stand—not to earn spending money, but to give back. Her goal? Use 100% of the proceeds to purchase new toys for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Years earlier, Payton had received a teddy bear during her own hospital stay, and that bear—still by her side every night—became a symbol of comfort, strength, and healing. Now she wanted to provide that same sense of comfort to other kids in need.

Her first stand raised $768. Inspired by the impact she could make, Payton decided to host a stand every summer. Just one year later, her 2019 lemonade stand raised nearly $7,000—and word began to spread.

By 2020, what began as a solo effort turned into a growing movement. We introduced “Payton’s Pals” and launched eight additional stands across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the 3rd Annual Payton’s Lemonade Stand raised more than $35,000 thanks to the incredible support of our community.

As the initiative grew, so did our mission. While supporting patients at CCHMC remains at our core, we recognized a broader need among children facing a wide range of hardships. In 2021, we became an official nonprofit organization (501c3), dedicated to supporting children in medical, economic, and personal crisis through partnerships with hospitals, shelters, schools, and other child-focused organizations.

That same year, our 4th Annual event brought together over 100 young hosts at 30 stands, raising $60,000. In 2022, that number jumped to 50 stands and over 200 kids, with incredible community involvement—from fire departments and soccer teams to Girl Scout troops and front yard entrepreneurs—raising an astounding $85,000.

In 2023, we celebrated a major milestone: surpassing $100,000 in just one day.

Then came 2024—our biggest year yet. The 7th Annual Payton’s Lemonade Stand featured 90 stands across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, including exciting new hosts like Kings Island, senior living communities, and even more local businesses. Together, we raised more than $125,000 in just three hours.

What started as a single lemonade stand in Payton’s driveway has grown into a powerful nonprofit movement, bringing thousands of children hope, joy, and support when they need it most. Whether they’re 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.