One of the Richmond region’s favorite summer traditions is back! Anthem LemonAid presented by Richmond Ford, returns for its 26th year, and families, businesses, and community groups will be setting up stands across RVA to support patients at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
In light of the forecast for storms and the poor air quality due to the fires in Canada during the planned dates of July 17 – 19, Anthem LemonAid has extended stand dates to Sunday August 2.
What began as a small initiative in the early 2000s has grown into a powerful regional movement, raising more than $285,000 in 2025 and surpassing $2 million cumulatively raised to benefit CHoR’s hematology and oncology programs.
“Over the past 26 years, Anthem LemonAid has continued to grow in both reach and impact,” said Lauren Zaller Moore, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This fundraiser reflects the generosity of the Richmond region and the meaningful difference that can be made when a community comes together. It is always fun to see children running lemonade stands on a summer day, and it is especially meaningful when those efforts support other children in need. We look forward to seeing that impact continue to grow this year.”
2026 Anthem LemonAid Ambassador
Each year, an Anthem LemonAid ambassador is selected to represent the campaign. This year’s ambassador is John, a 6-year-old cancer survivor whose resilience and joy reflect the spirit of the event.
John was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023 during his first visit to CHoR. What followed was a long and difficult treatment journey supported by a dedicated care team and a strong network of family and friends.
“It’s every parent’s worst fear, and for us, it became reality,” said his parents, Ryan and Kaitlyn. “There were days we didn’t know how we would get through, but the team at CHoR never left our side. Through their compassionate care, our faith and advances in treatment, they helped carry our family to the other side of this journey, and for that we are so thankful.”
On Dec. 12, 2025, John rang the ceremonial bell marking the end of treatment. Now a kindergartener, he has regained his strength and energy and enjoys spending time on the tee-ball field, practicing jiu-jitsu and riding his skateboard with his siblings and friends.
How to Get Involved
Free registration ran through Tuesday, July 14, and participants received a complimentary LemonAid event kit, including lemonade mix, cups, a pitcher, and official signage, along with a personalized online fundraising page to help amplify their impact. Kits were available for pickup on Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16th at Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s Brook Road campus. More details, for future planning, can be found on the event website.
Find a stand near you at https://www.lemonaidforkids.org/stands (searchable by location)
Donate to RFM’s Anthem LemonAid stand here and/or come visit the RFM stand on Saturday, August 1 (NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE), from 9:00 AM until noon at the West End Farmer’s Market at 13000 Gayton Road at Discovery United Methodist Church.
Restaurant Participants:
- Gelati Celesti — July 14-19 — featuring a Lemon Custard flavor for LemonAid
- Ford’s Garage (Short Pump) — July 17-19 — serving a special Strawberry Basil Lemonade for LemonAid
About Children’s Hospital Foundation
Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to funding and advocating for pediatric initiatives that improve the status of health care and the quality of life for children in our region. The Foundation provides support for the programs and initiatives of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the more than 80,000 children and families it serves each year. Children’s Hospital Foundation depends on the support of individuals, businesses and other organizations to help us continue our mission of supporting excellence in health care for children.
U.S. News & World Report named Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU among the best hospitals in the nation for pediatric medical care in its 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. CHoR’s rankings this year include cancer, diabetes & endocrinology, gastroenterology, neonatology, nephrology, neurology & neurosurgery, pulmonology & lung surgery, and urology. CHoR is also rated one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes seven states and the District of Columbia.
