Lemonade Day Detroit launched its third year by welcoming a famous local “lemonader” and announcing a new partnership with Detroit Public Schools.

Lemonade Day Detroit will take place June 8, and is already teaching local children how to start, own and operate a business through the simple and time-honored act of running a lemonade stand.

Mike Fezzey, president of Huntington's East Michigan Region and third-year presenting sponsor, announces that Joshua Smith, the 10-year-old Detroiter who ran a lemonade stand to raise money for his financially strapped city, is joining forces with Lemonade Day Detroit to share its message of entrepreneurship.

Fezzey added, “We’re also very excited to share our partnership with Detroit Public Schools. For the first time, DPS teachers are integrating the Lemonade Day program into their curriculum. Our goal in combining this program and our outreach is to empower 50,000 young entrepreneurs in 2013.”

Children pre-K to grade 12 can register for Lemonade Day backpacks, full of easy tips and suggestions that are age-appropriate for each group. Register online at detroit.lemonadeday.org, and pick up backpacks at locations listed on the website.

“Lemonade Day’s mission is to arm our youth with tools that help them see that they can do whatever they want, and be successful,” Fezzey said. “Lemonade Day walks children and caring adults through every step of setting up a business, and they are also learning life skills. Everyone needs to learn to balance a budget; who knew it could be fun?”

A key message of Lemonade Day, a national event that includes 260,000 kids in 39 cities, is for its young business owners to “spend a little, save a little and share a little,” donating a portion of their profits to a local charity of their choice.

“I want kids to know that you can make a difference, no matter how small you are,” Smith said, adding that he was able to raise and donate almost $4,000 to the City of Detroit. He plans to have another successful stand on June 8.

To register, or learn about ways that everyone can get involved in Lemonade Day Detroit June 8, visit detroit.lemonadeday.org.

For information about sponsorships, partnerships or donations, please contact Emily Paraskevin at 586.219.4014 or LemonadeDayDetroit@gmail.com.

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