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Project Lemonade’s first fundraising luncheon Benefits Kids

*Zahara, *Anthony, *AK, and *Madison joined Project Lemonade founder Rhonda Meadows on stage (center) to share with the 310 guests the importance and value of the back-to-school shopping event on their confidence and self-esteem.

Portland, September 19th, 2014. Project Lemonade’s first fundraising luncheon brought 310 guests to the Multnomah Athletic Club and raised $70,000 to support its annual back-to-school shopping event for foster youth. Zahara, Anthony, AK, and Madison joined Project Lemonade founder Rhonda Meadows on stage to share the importance of back-to-school shopping for confidence and self-esteem. Project Lemonade is a 100% volunteer organization that provides free new and nearly new clothing, shoes and accessories to local foster youth. In the past three years, Project Lemonade has served over 5,000 youth age 5-20. (Photo credit, Gail Andersen)

Cynthia Fraser, Board member; Jen Andres, Board member; Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Author and keynote speaker; Tricia Smith, Board member; Kirsten Brady, Board President.

A foster child who receives these simple items has a better chance of fitting in at school and performing well.

Project Lemonade, a non-profit 501(c)(3) was founded three years ago by Rhonda Meadows, a former foster parent to a young boy named Alan who came to her with a single paper sack containing all of his clothing, much of which was old and ill fitting.

To meet the needs of youth like Alan, Project Lemonade operates a back-to-school shopping event during the month of August where foster youth can shop for free. These clothing basics are unattainable for most foster youth. Project Lemonade is bringing these items to these deserving kids through donations from area retailers and contributions from the community.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.