Savannah's Lemonade Stand Raising Funds In Warminster Saturday

WARMINSTER, PA —Savannah Zeaman will enter her senior year at William Tennent High School this year.

And while that is significant, there's another milestone that's on her mind.

Savannah's Lemonade Stand turns 10 in October.

For more than half her life, Savannah —who turns 17 on Tuesday —has raised funds for cancer research annually with her lemonade stand as a tribute to her late kindergarten teacher, Kathy Shelmire, who passed away from cancer one year after Savannah was in her class.

Over the course of a decade, she's helped raise $31,000 —an impressive fundraising average of $3,100 each year. Last year, she topped that average by raising $3,835.

Savannah, who started the lemonade stand in second grade, is setting her sights much higher this year for her fundraiser, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 28 at 688 Sheldon Drive. All proceeds are donated to CHOP Cancer Research.

Her goal this year is $20,000. That would put her over $50,000.

"Over the past 10 years, Savannah’s Lemonade Stand has turned into something bigger than I could have ever imagined," she told Patch. "My friends, family, and community have become such a big part of the organization, and I am so grateful for all of the support I have received along the way."

Savannah’s 10th Annual Lemonade Stand will bring back the usual highlights of her past endeavors: raffle baskets, art auction, clothing drive, and bake sale. There's also lemonade of course.

And Savannah has received lots of community support.

"From nearby restaurants donating for the raffle baskets to state Sen. Maria Collett attending the stands, to my teachers (past and present) always showing their support, it has really become something amazing. I am so grateful that I’ve been able to create such wonderful experiences while trying to make a difference in the world."

Savannah said she will never forget her kindergarten teacher and the impact it's made on her commitment to fundraising for cancer research.

"Her death was the first that I had ever experienced, and it was very difficult for me to accept. If I was so hurt, I couldn’t even imagine how devastated her close friends and family must have been," Savannah said. "The thoughts I was having made me want to do something to prevent as many people from feeling that way as possible. I, alongside my parents, decided that a lemonade stand would be a great way to raise money for cancer research, in hopes of being able to find a cure and put an end to this horrible disease. I have continued my stand every year since for that same reason, but also because it truly just feels good to do good. I am so grateful for the life that I have, and I believe it is important to give back and provide for those that may not be as fortunate as me."

Savannah will be collecting clothes until Oct. 27. The drop-off is at her home or you can email her mother at Luv1204@gmail.com for more information.

She is also very active on social media with a Facebook page providing updates, and an Instagram account with pictures.

Savannah also has a site for donations for her Compete for a Cause: She is running miles this summer to raise money and train for the cross-country season. So far, she has run about 115 miles.

She was featured in the fall on a television show called "Random Acts" which spotlights people doing good things in their communities. Click on the link for the show here.

Going into her senior year, Savannah has been active at William Tennent.

She is on the Distinguished Honor Roll, in all the honor societies, and in several clubs like Key Club and Athletes Helping Athletes. She is the Centennial Education Foundation Student Representative as well.

"Me and my husband, Jeff, and our son Daulton are so proud of Savannah and all she has already accomplished," her mother Lori told Patch. "We are hoping she shatters all of her goals and achieves this lofty goal she has set for the 10th annual Lemonade Stand."