Sweets & Lemonade for RMA

What started in 2023 as a fun summer activity has grown into a meaningful tradition of giving back. Claire and Ella Grace Gilmore launched their Lemonade Stand with the help of their best friends, Beau and Colt Futrell, combining summer fun with a passion for helping others. Now in its fourth year, the annual fundraiser has raised thousands of dollars for organizations such as the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Urban Ministries of Wake County, making a lasting impact on communities across North Carolina. Earlier this year, Claire had the unique opportunity to serve as Headmaster for a Day, an auction item her parents purchased at the school’s annual fundraiser. During her time in the role, Claire asked her classmates what improvements they would like to see at school. One request stood out: a makeover of the courtyard space. Claire proudly shared her classmates’ vision during the administrative meeting. Thanks to that feedback, the school was able to install AstroTurf over the summer in preparation for the new school year. The courtyard project, which cost approximately $60,000, has transformed the space into a safer and more enjoyable area where students can play, gather, and create lasting memories with friends. This year, the Lemonade Stand is proud to support this project. With your help, we can contribute toward the cost of this beautiful new space and ensure that generations of students have a safe, welcoming place to learn, play, and grow.