Inspired by a book about a girl who started a lemonade stand to help kids with pediatric cancer, 9-year-old Delanie Dennis set out on her own to help animals, using a similar fundraising technique.
Delanie, of Dover, has now raised more than $24,000 with a lemonade stand in her parents’ restaurant, Café Delanie, located near the Florida State Fairgrounds.
“I decided I wanted to help animals. I’ve always loved animals, especially cats,” said Delanie, who has two five-year-old cats, Mocha and Late.
Since April 2019, the lemonade stand has evolved and now also sells cat and dog food and toys. Customers also have the option of donating food and supplies to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Feedback from Café Delanie customers has been positive, Delanie said. “Customers, I get a lot of comments like ‘you’re doing a great job.’ I knew lemonade would only make a little bit but adding other things would make thousands.”
There are now daily specials on the café menu with 100% of the proceeds going to the lemonade stand. “The special might be a Delanie Stuffed Burger or a Grown-up Grilled Cheese.”
The proceeds from Delanie’s lemonade stand have helped numerous organizations, including RVR Horse Rescue, A Forever Home Animal Rescue, Florida All Retrievers Rescue and Rescue Cats of Florida.
