Meaghan Shea '22 Makes Lemonade From Lemons, Giving Back to Community

Summer –– and its barbecues, beach gatherings and late-night ice cream runs –– will look different for many children this year. These staple activities have been drastically altered or canceled altogether due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But a group of college students and young adults have utilized another childhood staple to make up for lost fun. The Makin’ Lemonade Fund, a virtual lemonade stand modeled after the quintessential childhood business, garners donations for three foundations aimed to help front-line workers.

Meaghan Shea ‘22 thought the cause would be an appropriate way to give back to her community while at home in Warwick, N.Y. Shea connected with the co-founders in March, prior to the organization’s launch on April 7, and now serves as the director of politics and press for the organization. 

When Shea joined, the fund had just started its fundraising efforts, with about 25 student leaders and $10,000 raised for COVID-19 relief. Now, the Makin’ Lemonade Fund has over 250 student leaders and has raised over $100,793, surpassing their goal of $100,000.

Those wanting to contribute can donate to the fund’s GoFundMe page and support the CDC Foundation, Feeding America and the Direct Relief Fund. Donations provide the CDC Foundation with money toward research for a vaccine. For Feeding America, donations help provide at least 10 meals for families in need, and donations for the Direct Relief Fund assist in giving personal protective equipment and supplies to front-line healthcare workers. 

To back its efforts, the fund has partnered with a nonprofit partner, the143 Collective, as well as 80 Greek Life organizations, several collegiate athletic programs and notable individuals like actor Jake Short, athlete Paul Rodriguez, New York Giant Evan Engram and the music duo, Two Friends.

The Makin’ Lemonade Fund has also recently partnered with the Three Dollar Challenge on social media, which challenges users to donate $3, post a picture pre-quarantine and nominate others, according to the organization’s website.

Shea said that her role aligns with her educational experience at Marist.

“I have also been able to utilize the connections and experiences I have had as a political science student to raise awareness of the fund,” Shea said. “The great thing about this youth-led initiative is that there is a place where anyone can get involved, no matter your skillset or experience.”

Co-founders Jesse Kay and Alex Sheinman agreed with Shea about students’ impacts on the project and how they can get involved, instructing students to text them at (201) 298-9171 for more information. 

“We’re incredibly excited to reach $100,000 raised from our network of students and young professionals,” Kay and Sheinman said. “We look forward to partnering with a variety of corporate sponsors and individuals to reach our new goal of $500,000 in COVID-19 Relief.”