Anthem LemonAid kicks off in Richmond

Before haggling with the kids hawking lemonade this weekend, know that your extra change might help fund more than their next video-game purchase.

About 900 lemonade stands will be popping up in the Richmond area this weekend as families, businesses and community groups raise money for children with cancer.

Yesterday marked the start of the eighth annual Anthem LemonAid Weekend with a kickoff at the James Center Plaza downtown. The three-day fundraiser, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, benefits the Children's Miracle Network Richmond, with all proceeds going to treat and research pediatric cancer at Children's Hospital and VCU Children's Medical Center.

Ben Millefolie, a cheerful, well-spoken 12-year-old participating for his third year, is the event's spokesman.

He's also a cancer survivor.

The Chesterfield County resident and Manchester Middle School student was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia the day before his 10th birthday. He completed chemotherapy this year.

Shortly after his diagnosis, he saw a notice for the Anthem LemonAid Weekend in a VCU clinic where he was receiving treatment.

"I love lemonade. It's my favorite drink, so I said, 'I have to do this,' so we signed up and did it," he said yesterday while serving the $1 drinks at the kickoff.

"I didn't know what to expect," his mother, Priscilla, recalled of her son's first year participating. "I didn't know if Ben would make it the entire three hours at the stand. He was so weak from the chemo."

He did, discovering in the process that he loved the philanthropic lemonade business.

Two years ago, he raised $700 at his booth; last year, it was $2,000.

"This year we hope to go even farther," Ben said, noting that he plans to work all three days at the Wal-Mart at Chattanooga Plaza on Hull Street Road and has a jump on the action after raising money online.

But it's not all about lemon-flavored beverages and developing his marketing skills.

"If we raise enough money, we can actually cure cancer so nobody has to deal with this," he said. "If we can't get to that, at least we're making people that have this feel comfortable."

Last year, the event raised $110,000 with 850 stands. And for the first time this year, the Hampton Roads and Roanoke areas also will participate, with money raised benefiting local hospitals.

Contact Wesley P. Hester at (804) 649-6976 or .