Kids squeeze profits out of lemonade for cause
Being a savvy entrepreneur, 10-year-old A.J. Correia chose one of the hottest days of the year to open a lemonade stand at the Farmers’ Market at Riley Field.
Correia said he had attended the market the previous week and “everyone was thirsty,” giving him the idea for the traditional summertime business.
A.J. wasn’t trying to raise money for candy, but for a cause. Helped by his brother Steven, 13, and their cousin Maria Cordozo, 9, of Plaistow, he raised nearly $50 for Morgan’s Baskets, a new program that seeks to cheer up those going through difficult times.
The baskets are named after Morgan Wasser-man, a Bedford resident who was battling cancer at this time last year. She loved to attend the market, and could be seen there each Tuesday with her family. But when she could no longer attend due to her progressing illness, market organizers sent her a basket filled with flowers, produce and other items from the market to cheer her up.
Wasserman died last October at age 20, but market organizers, taking inspiration from the happiness she got from her basket, want to use them to preserve her memory.
A.J. said the baskets will help cheer up others who need it most.
OUTPOURING OF HELP A.J. Correia (left), 10, is joined by his cousin Maria Cordozo of Plaistow, 9, and his brother Steven, 13, at the Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, July 1, to sell lemonade to raise money for Morgan’s Baskets. The program, sponsored by market organizers, sends baskets to those in need of a bit of summer cheer. The baskets are named for Morgan Wasserman, a Bedford resident who enjoyed visiting the market last year and who lost her battle with cancer in October. (Stephen Abbott Photo)
“People might be really sad, and they might not make it out to a place they really want to go,” he said. “So they’ll call some people at the Farmers’ Market and they’ll make them feel happy.”
The baskets are purchased and prepared by market organizers, and are being delivered to those individuals or families who are experiencing difficult times.
Deb Sklar, co-founder of the market, said they hope to send out one basket each week until the end of the market in October. The first basket is set to go out this week.
Market organizers are seeking requests from residents for names of recipients. All names will remain confidential, she said.
Morgan’s mother, Molly Wasserman was very happy to learn of A.J.’s effort.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I’m so pleased he wants to be involved in it.” She was surprised he had raised so much money for the effort.
Like A.J., Sklar was touched by Wasserman’s love for the market and the outdoors and was moved to act.
“I watched Morgan come to the market every week,” she said. “I knew she appreciated the good food and I knew it meant a lot to her. I wanted to do something through the market because it meant so much to her, and her spirit was so good.”
Sklar approached Morgan’s mother and asked for permission to start the program in her daughter’s honor. In addition to A.J.’s contribution, a portion of booth fees at the market will be donated to the cause.
Those interested in contributing to the program or submitting names of Bedford residents who could be recipients can find a market volunteer each Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m., at Riley Field on Nashua Road.
Baskets can be requested by visiting www.bedfordfarmers market.com/morgansbasket or by writing a letter to Bedford Farmers’ Market Inc., P.O. Box 10047, Bedford, NH 03110.
The name of the family or individual to receive the basket, along with their address, telephone number and any known food allergies and other relevant information should be included.
This story ran in the Bedford Bulletin 7/10/2003.
© Copyright 2003Neighborhood News.
