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Port Chester Family Plans 'Lemonade For Leukemia' Fund-Raiser

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. -- The Porcelli family of Port Chester is hoping to raise $5,000 for leukemia research when they open a lemonade stand on Aug. 10.

The annual Lemonade for Leukemia event in Port Chester has raised more than $13,000 for leukemia research over the past six years. The goal for this year's event is $5,000.

The annual Lemonade for Leukemia event in Port Chester has raised more than $13,000 for leukemia research over the past six years. The goal for this year's event is $5,000.

Photo Credit: Contributed

This is the seventh year that the family has hosted their Lemonade for Leukemia event. It all started back in 2003 when Lael Porcelli's niece, Katie, was diagnosed with leukemia. She endured two years of chemotherapy and has been cancer-free ever since. The family became very involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in an effort to one day find a cure for the disease.

In 2007, Porcelli's son suggested the idea of opening a lemonade stand and donating the money to leukemia research. The family set up with a pitcher of lemonade and a card, and raised $200 their first year.

The event has grown each year that the family has hosted it. Their second year, they added raffles and popcorn and were able to raise $800. Their third year, they added more raffles as well as baked goods, and came up with almost $2,000. Over the years they have added face painting, specially designed tee shirts, hot dogs, craft tables, more flavors of lemonade and a slip and slide. In their sixth event last year they were able to raise more than $4,400.

Each year the event is held in honor or in memory of someone in the community. This year's Lemonade for Leukemia is dedicated to Christine Chu McGovern, an Ossining teacher who died in May. The family's goal is $5,000, all of which will be donated in McGovern's memory. Lemonade for Leukemia will be held on Aug. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at 38 Hobart Ave. in Port Chester. The rain date will be Aug. 11. You can also make a donation to the cause online.

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