John Vergowven’s students at Custer Elementary School receive a new free book each month during the school year.
That summer, one of his students, Addison (Addie) St. Andre, trying to single-handedly raise enough money for all the books: $270.
“Mr. Vergowven posted about it. I said, ‘We should donate to this,'” said Addie’s mother, Courtney Frost.
Addie’s class also had Vergowven for their teacher last year.
Inspired by a treat at the Monroe County Fair, Addie decides to raise money by selling lemonade.
“She wanted lemonade from the fair,” Frost said.
Addie, 8, and her mother opened a lemonade stand at 671 Cooper St., next door to the family business, Addie’s Closet Parties. Their first day of business was last Friday. They raised $59.
The couple plans to continue to stop by every Friday in August. Hours are around 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Lemonade shake-ups are $3 for smalls and $5 for large. The galaxy version, which contains color and edible glitter, is available for $1 more.
“We use sliced oranges,” said Frost, who does all the slicing. Addi takes care of the rest.
“She does everything herself,” Frost said.
The store also sells Addie’s homemade slime. All proceeds will be donated to Vergowven, who will buy a $1 Scholastic book each month for all 30 of his third grade students. Any additional money raised will help Vergowven add to the classroom library.
“She’s happy to help raise money for kids. She wants to help her friends with education,” Frost said. “Kids are struggling with education during a disaster.”
This will be Vergowven’s fifth year providing books to students.
“I get all the money that is given. Family and friends on social media have been very helpful with this. This is my third year at Custer, and the families in my class have been very supportive,” said Vergowven, an 11-year-old teacher. “Addie has been an amazing student in my class. She was kind and helpful with her classmates. She has such a big heart.”
Addie and her mother enjoy fundraising together.
“In 2019 we hosted a women’s and children’s center for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We cooked and delivered the food. Addi baked a cake. We helped out with ‘Let’s Build a Bed’ at the Indian Creek Zoo. She gets involved in everything she can,” Frost said.
