Malvern School Supports Alex's Lemonade Stand on Sweltering Day

The staff and students of The Malvern School of Erial came out Wednesday decked in yellow and ready to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).

With the temperature closing in on 100 degrees by noontime, the unbelievably hot weather not only forced the lemonade stand indoors, but probably helped sell some lemonade, too.

One thing was certain: The move inside didn't slow fundraising efforts.

At 1 p.m., with five hours to go, Malvern School of Erial executive director Jennifer Delaney estimated the local school's fundraising efforts had reached about $900. Not too shabby, considering the school's goal was to raise $1,000 by the end of the week.

Delaney attributed the program’s early success to administrative assistant Jodi Chance.

“She has been a driving force in Alex’s Lemonade Stand,” she said of Chance.

July 18 marks Alex Lemonade Stand Day for all Malvern School locations. This year's was the fifth consecutive year the private, early childhood education center chain, which has 20 locations in the Delaware Valley, supported ALSF.

In addition to selling lemonade, the school sold paper lemons and also is holding a Chinese auction for 16 different prizes ranging from gift cards for restaurants, a Dunkin’ Donuts basket, and even a autographed football from former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.

Many area businesses, including Ship on Site, Acme, Rite Aid, Applebee’s and Punk Puppies, donated gifts and services for the auction. Students' families also donated items for gift baskets.

The auction will run till the end of the week, with all proceeds going directly to ALSF, which funds research for pediatric cancer.

Delaney urges everyone to come out and give to a good cause and possibly win some prizes.