Happy Ending As Girl's Lemonade Stand Brings Community Together to Help Crossing Guard Battling Cancer

CUTCHOGUE, NY — Sometimes, the bad guys don't win. Especially on the North Fork.

When Faith Ann Shipman, 11, set up a lemonade stand at her Cutchogue home to help raise money for beloved crossing guard Renee Phelps, who is battling cancer, what began as an act of kindness took a dark turn after a thief made off with all the cash in her donation jar.

But rather than let evil triumph over good, North Fork residents came together in a show of love and took the fundraising to new levels — and this week, Faith Ann presented Phelps with $2,812. Of that total, $1,502 came from the patrons and friends of Wendy's Deli, including one check for $500, said Faith Ann's mom Beth Shipman.

Shipman said Phelps was "very surprised and quite humbled by the fact that so many people cared about her. She said she always felt, 'invisible,' like nobody noticed her. Which is simply not true."

Shipman added that 13 buses full of students are transported back and forth to Cutchogue East Elementary School each day, with countless parents also dropping off and picking up their kids.

"Renee was definitely noticed. She always did an exemplary job, with a smile on her face," Shipman said.

Faith Ann, her mom added, was very happy to help Phelps — and the Shipmans are overwhelmed by the sheer show of love and positivity that turned a negative act into a shining display of generosity.

"Our family is extremely grateful to the community for reaching out and supporting Faith Ann in her efforts.What a phenomenal example of selflessness this community gave to our daughter," she said.

Faith Ann wrote a letter to Phelps: "We had so many people come when they saw the Lem-Ren-Aid post Mom put on Facebook. They came to stop by and have a glass of lemonade. Mostly just to donate because you are our crossing guard and people greatly appreciate the job you do, with a smile."

Faith Ann said she raised almost $535 with her Lem-Ren-Aid stand, despite the fact that the cash was stolen from the jar.

"Almost immediately after the money was taken, Denise Lademan, of Styles Salon in Mattituck came and dropped off $70," she wrote. "Mom and I laughed and then we cried. When Patch ran the story about your money being stolen from me, that’s when the magic of living on the North Fork happened."

The next morning, Faith Ann said, a couple came to her house; their dog Gibbs was barking. "We didn’t know the couple in our driveway, trying to see if this was the right place. They read the online paper, North Fork Patch . They wanted to help me, help you. To show me that there are good people out there, too," Faith Ann said. "It continued all day Sunday, with people ringing our doorbell."

Then Monday happened, Faith Ann said. Wendy’s Deli of Mattituck put a jar out to help replace the money that was stolen.

Wendy Zuhoski, the owner of the deli, posted on Facebook that she'd be putting a donation jar on the counter. "Wendy said some things happen for a reason. That you can’t trust everybody. She said her customers are the best and they were going to replace the stolen money and then some! Wendy was right, her customers are the best, and so is she," Faith Ann said.

On Tuesday, Faith Ann and her mom went to the post office. "Guess what? Way more magic in the mailbox! Then it happened again Wednesday, Thursday and Friday!" Faith Ann wrote.

On August 14, Danielle Grzegorczyk of The Crazy Fork in Mattituck contacted Faith Ann, she said, offering to host this year's annual Pig Roast fundraiser to benefit Phelps.

Also collecting money for Phelps was Abby Tyler of Cutchogue, who had her own snack stand set up during a yard sale at her home. Abby has raised $100 for Phelps.

"Mom tried to keep track of all the angels in our midst," Faith said. "They include but are not limited to:

Darla Doohry, Denise Lademan, Wendy Zuhoski, Kurt Boeckman, Molly Waitz, Mr. and Mrs. Hasnas, Tiegan, 9, Mr. and Mrs. Rob Nine, Marie Winiarz, The Anderson wedding party, Mr. and. Mrs. Bill Mulrain, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shipman, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Shipman, Faith and Grace Shipman, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Case, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Todrick, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Witczak, Victoria Witczak, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Osler, Southold Town Police Officer Henry Santacroche, Police Officer Tim McGowan, Police Officer Bowden, Sarah Mendenhall Luhmer and Miss Tracy from Gymnation, the Lynn Stevens family, Mr. Wes Zaleski, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Klos, William Evans, DMD, Mrs. Bernie Kettenbeil, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kettenbeil, Stacy Wickham Photography, Karen Nicholson, Lisa Butler, "all the way from Baldwin, NY", Maggie Szalowski and Scott Boyle, "all the way from Boston, MA", Monica Gorham, Schneider & Schulman Associates, Tricia Strzepek, Mr . and Mrs. Jesse Johnson, Lauren Egan, Susanne Morena, Gail Chellel, Christine Accurso, Moira from Mattituck, and the countless patrons of Wendy’s Deli," Faith An wrote.

"Lastly, I want to mention one of Wendy’s friends, Michael Finnican," Faith Ann said. "His cousin, Michael Curtin, was killed on 9/11. He and his cousins wife started a foundation to memorialize his beloved cousin. It is called the 3256 Foundation Inc. they raise money for local charities. When he found out about what happened, he sent a gift that made me amazed."

Faith Ann added, "My mom said we are surrounded by love and generosity. She is right, we are. Our community has touched my heart. Today I have $2,812.00 to give to you because of the good people surrounding us. Keep fighting like the warrior that you are. Peace, love and friendship, Faith Ann Shipman
(& Mom)."