Soaring summertime temperatures could not deter Sandy Hook sisters Kylie Hudak, 8, and Khloe Hudak, 7, from running their first lemonade stand on July 11.

The two were determined to raise money for The Kennedy Center in Trumbull and bring awareness about the work the group does to support and empower people with disabilities throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties.

“The reason for choosing [The] Kennedy Center was Kylie’s choice, as their Uncle Joseph is mentally challenged and also non-verbal,” Kylie and Khloe’s father, Robert Hudak, said. “He lives in a Kennedy Center home that supports his independence and supports him with day-to-day life.”

“In addition, Joseph also goes to a Kennedy Center program Monday through Friday that focuses on giving back to the community with activities, such as delivering lunches to other programs,” he added.

To prepare for the fundraiser, the girls — with the help of their father — made fresh lemonade using just lemons, sugar, and ice and did multiple taste testings of batches to make sure the ratio was just right. They also sliced orange wedges to accent the rim of the cups.

“We had to use gloves,” Khloe said when explaining the process of serving the beverages to people.

Since it was a sunny and warm day, Kyle said, “We brought an umbrella out,” which kept them and the ice-cold lemonade in the shade.

Mr Hudak estimates that within about three hours, the girls had served about 50 to 75 people, who came by car or who were walking by.

He was impressed not only by his daughters dedication to be outside for so long, but also how consistent they were in educating donors about what The Kennedy Center does.

Kylie and Khloe’s mother, Lori Hudak, was equally ecstatic to see the work, effort, and commitment the girls showed.

“It was wonderful,” Ms Hudak said. “I came up the last ten minutes, and I couldn’t believe [the amount] of cars stopping. It made me feel great to hear them talking about The Kennedy Center, too… and why it’s important to donate.”

As a result of their lemonade stand, the sisters raised a total of $203.43 in donations.

Ms Hudak says the girls will use the money to purchase art supplies for Project Inspire, which does the day programs at The Kennedy Center, and donate them in the near future.

Upcoming Lemonade Stand

With such a successful effort accomplished, Kylie and Khloe are eager to host their next lemonade stand on Friday, July 26, from 1 to 4 pm, at the corner of Riverside Road and Narragansett Trail in Sandy Hook.

The upcoming fundraiser will benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“They help people that have cancer,” Kylie explained.

The sisters were inspired to select a cancer-related group because their Uncle Kevin had passed away from cancer before they were born.

Mr Hudak says the family has even reached out to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will have informational flyers available to pass out to those that visit the lemonade stand.

Already, the girls have been preparing for their next lemonade stand by brainstorming more products they can have available to encourage people to donate.

In addition to lemonade and orange slices, they plan to also have watermelon, glasses of water, and handmade bracelets and necklaces. The jewelry is created by both girls, has a variety of colorful beads, and is made with elastic string to accommodate fitting different wrist sizes.

Kylie and Khloe encourage everyone to come out this Friday to help raise money for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital while enjoying some delicious lemonade.

For those interested in supporting the dynamic duo — which their father has dubbed the 2 K’s For a Cause (2KFC) — people can join their mailing list by e-mailing 2ksforacause@gmail.com. By joining the mailing list, people will receive updates on when the next lemonade stand will be, what cause it will be for, and how much money was raised from each lemonade stand.

To learn more about The Kennedy Center, visit thekennedycenterinc.org. For information about St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit stjude.org.