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9 to 92

At RMHC age is relative. We are about the whole family – about getting everyone involved, young and old, in the health and well being of a child.

This isn’t just a paradigm for the families staying at a Ronald McDonald House, the same goes for the network of volunteers helping to make RMHC programs run smoothly.

RMHC has volunteers that range in age from 9 to 92. They do everything from cooking to cleaning; gardening to fixing a leak; fundraising to answering phones. Some volunteers just stop in to a Ronald McDonald House on a regular basis to say “hi,” show their support, and drop off a gift or two for the families.

Two very special volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas have gone the extra mile to give back. 

First, Clark Simpler, a 9-year old Texas Longhorns fan and budding philanthropist is a kid who wants to help other kids. For the past three years he’s been making lemonade, gathering his friends together and managing a lemonade stand to support his local Ronald McDonald House. He’s raised more than $350 for the Charity and has big plans for his future philanthropic efforts. He also sent us his lemonade recipe to inspire some more kids to manage their own lemonade stands.  

Second, Mary Pendleton, the 92-year old grandmother of Jessica Kizer, a cancer survivor that stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, has been baking cakes once a week for the House for the past 20 years. Her cakes are a sweet ritual for the families staying at the House and the warm smile and cheerful demeanor with which she delivers them are truly the icing on the cake.

Mary has a motto - “To never give up, love as many people as you can, and if you can’t, keep working on it.” Rather than age, this sentiment is the best way to describe RMHC volunteers – an army of compassionate individuals who never give up and love as many families as they can.  

Clark's Lemonade Stand Lemonade courtesy of Paula Dean

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

In a 1 gallon container, place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to render 1 gallon. Stir until well mixed. Pour lemonade over glasses of ice, squeeze slice of lemon on top of each, and garnish with a sprig of mint. 

Comments (5)|(Hide)

  • jessica reid

    06/05/2011 12:08pm

    Really inspiring! I am using both of you as an example for a presentation I am doing for my high school senior english class to encourage donating and I feel as though your stories send the message: Any one can help.

  • 05/05/2011 5:39pm

    Clark I am so proud of you for raising funding with your lemonade stand. You may enjoy this book called Life at the Lemonade Stand by my friend Diana Weiss. I can get you a copy. Facebook me if you would like one.

  • purple_love

    05/05/2011 4:11pm

    Just precious. What a great kid. Hope he continues to make more lemonade for everyone. Love From Spokane, WA.

  • fluffypants

    10/04/2011 7:25pm

    I love this website! Thanks fo sharing your lovely recipe, Clark.

  • rocks101

    10/04/2011 7:22pm

    This is a very inspiring website and I love the lemonade recipe! I have used it many times and love it.

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