Lemonade stand raises $32K and counting for Burrillville animal shelter; Fundraiser takes place Sept. 7

BURRILLVILLE – Pack up the kids for a fun day out for a good cause next Saturday – and please don’t leave Fido behind.

Ben’s Annual Lemonade Stand, a community event raising funds for the Burrillville Animal Shelter, will take place on Saturday, Sept 7 with a new location at the Burrillville Town Common.

Now in it’s 15th year, the fundraiser is expected to be bigger than ever, with live music, photo booths, kids activities, dozens of raffle prizes and participation by several town-based businesses that will donate profits to the cause.

The seeds of what would eventually grow into the popular annual tradition for locals and their furry friends were planted in 2009, when the St. Pierre family bought a wooden lemonade stand at a yard sale for $5 for then 4-year-old Ben.

Ben St. Pierre sold $75 in lemonade – 50 cents at a time – in that first fateful year, donating the funds to a local shelter. A tradition was born, with the wooden stand to come out each summer to support various animal-related causes.

The Burrillville Animal Shelter has been the sole focus since 2017 and the event has grown each year, with St. Pierre increasing his fundraising goal and crowds of supporters heading to the family’s home on Maureen Circle. From home-baked dog treats to the annual arrival of a jeep convoy, the pet-friendly event has morphed into not only a “doggy’s day out,” but also an opportunity to enjoy community, win raffle prizes, and gather with friends and neighbors.

In 2023, St. Pierre raised $8,075 for Burrillville Animal Control, bringing his grand total for the shelter to $32,000.

St. Pierre is now 18-years-old and headed to college in the fall, but the shelter, he notes, is still in need of support.

“He had no intention of stopping, especially when every year, the total grew and grew, and he knew just how much it meant to the shelter, and how much it helped the animals” said Ben’s mom, Kristine St. Pierre, in a post on the fundraiser’s Facebook page. “The decision to keep this fundraiser going was a little tougher, but he and his crew really wanted to find a way.”

“He’s worked so hard and learned so much over the years,” Kristine noted.

This year, the fun moves to a more central location by the gazebo in Harrisville, and new additions will include a food truck for dogs, free dog nail trimming, and four custom built cutouts for a doggy photo booth.

And locals are invited to keep the puppy party going afterwards with lunch out at a dog-friendly restaurant.

Owner Julia O’Rourke will turn her Dinolicious food truck into “Doggylicious,” on September 7, offering a menu of gourmet dog treats along with slushies for the human companions, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the shelter.

Town-based business East Coast Artisans Inc. has created and donated the unique cutouts, custom built for a four-legged photo shoot.

Dev’s Tavern at 341 Chapel St. has also signed on, and will offer a special of dynamites, chips and dessert for $9 each from noon to 6 p.m., with all proceeds going to the cause. Families are invited to dine on the business’s new outdoor patio, where kids and pets are welcome.

Providence-based Up Country Inc. will sell their high-quality collars, leads, harnesses, leash sets, and other pet products, also donating proceeds.

Not Your Average Popcorn will be on site selling fresh popped kettle corn with a portion of sales to be donated, and Village Paws will offer free puppy manicures.

There will be face painting and balloon twisting, raffle prizes too numerous to list, Ben’s famous homemade lemon cookies and of course, cold lemonade.

“Who would have thought that a little wooden lemonade stand that we picked up at a yard sale for $5 back in 2009, would have helped to grow this wonderful tradition in our family and in our town,” noted Kristine. “It’s going to be bigger than ever.”

Those unable to attend who wish to donate can do so via Venmo to @Benslemonadestand2023, Paypal to [email protected] or by check made out to Burrillville Animal Control and mailed to 90 Maureen Circle Mapleville RI 02839.

Dogs are not just welcome, but encouraged to attend on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burrillville Town Common at 105 Harrisville Main St.

“We’re keeping this going,” noted Kristine. “We could not do any of this without the support of this amazing town, and friends near and far.”