FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – Two nine-year-old girls turned a summer lemonade stand into a heartfelt fundraiser, raising more than $1,000 in honor of a grandmother who passed away last year.
During the South Hills Golf & Country Club member-guest tournament, Olivia Schaeve and Lola Polacek hosted the stand in memory of Olivia’s grandmother, Susanne Stilwell, who died in December 2024.
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“My mom was incredibly close to Olivia,” said Rachel Schaeve, Olivia’s mother. “As part of our grief journey, we’ve tried to keep her memory alive. The lemonade stand felt like a fun and meaningful way to do that.”
The girls quickly embraced the challenge, mixing flavors and chatting with golfers. Their donations surpassed expectations, bringing in $1,035 for the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation to benefit SSM Health at Home Hospice, which cared for the Schaeve family during Susanne’s final weeks.
“When it became clear my mom wouldn’t recover, I reached out to SSM Health at Home Hospice,” Rachel said. “The weight lifted immediately. Kayla, her nurse, and Shiloh, her social worker, were compassionate, knowledgeable, and kind. Even the emergency line nurse on my mom’s last night was a source of strength.”
Fox Valley hospice staff say small fundraisers like this create big impact. They not only support families in need but also teach young people the value of responsibility and giving back.
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“By participating in a lemonade stand, children learn about budgeting, money management, and the importance of giving back to the community,” said Mason Gravelle, philanthropy development manager for the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation. “We truly appreciate Olivia honoring her grandmother, along with her friend, while helping other families receive vital hospice care for their loved ones.”
Through one simple stand, Olivia and Lola showed how even the smallest gestures of kindness can ripple outward, lifting spirits and making a lasting difference.
