LemonAid Event Commemorates 25 Years and Its Final Run
On the evening of September 11, 2001, Chris Hauri and neighbors in River Forest gathered around a firepit, deeply impacted by the day’s tragic events. They felt compelled to contribute to their community and conceived LemonAid, a block-long lemonade stand dedicated to fundraising for local charities.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11. For the past 24 years, LemonAid has consistently raised funds for charitable causes in River Forest and nearby areas. This Friday, residents of Oak Park and River Forest upheld the tradition while remembering the 9/11 attacks at the LemonAid event on Bonnie Brae’s 700 block. It was announced that this would be the event’s last year.
“I’ve never seen LemonAid so crowded,” said one participant. Due to the effort involved and the stepping down of original organizers, this year’s event is planned to be the final one. Participants celebrated two decades of philanthropy by serving the last batches of lemonade. “The true joy we find is in witnessing our children grow up valuing philanthropy, understanding that their acts of kindness can impact those in need,” Hauri expressed.
Chris Hauri, a LemonAid co-founder, smiled as an attendee made a donation at its 25th event in River Forest on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Traditionally, one or two charities benefited annually. However, this final LemonAid will distribute funds to nearly 30 supported charities from past events. Originating in 2002, the lemonade stand started with modest means—one or two tables in driveways—which raised about $400 for Hephzibah Children’s Association in Oak Park. It progressively evolved into a blockwide celebration of generosity.
Co-founder Patty Henek found the event’s growth surprising. “It’s almost beyond words; you must experience it to truly grasp its impact,” she stated. Over the years, it has raised over $700,000 for numerous causes. Those who began as children planning the event have since become co-chairs, continuing to engage with beneficiaries and manage logistics.
Even in its absence, LemonAid’s legacy will persist, notably in the minds of those involved. An example includes funds from LemonAid 2021 aiding the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society, sponsoring a medical exam room now named after the group. “We are grateful for our new, state-of-the-art exam room,” remarked Rowena Abrahams, marketing director of the organization.
Earlier, a more solemn observance of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks gathered Oak Park community members and officials. They convened at Fire Station 1 to honor those who perished. Officials rang a sacred bell and read the names of fallen safety personnel, reiterating the importance of their sacrifice.
“September 11 reminded our nation of the importance of unity,” asserted Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson. “It highlighted public safety’s essence—putting others first.”