Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosts a record setting Lemon Ball

Brought to you by Freemans Auctioneers, The Circuit, with Caroline Stewart, takes you to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Lemon Ball. Become a regular of our new blog to keep up with the hottest philanthropic events.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation set two new records at its seventh annual Lemon Ball, held Jan. 12 at the the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, by raising more than $825,000 and bringing together over 900 supporters of the foundation.

The yellow-tie evening celebrated the life of foundation creator Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who died in 2004 of neuroblastoma, as well as those who continue her mission of finding cures for childhood cancer. Chaired by Tierney CEO and president Mary Austen and her husband, Peter, the benefit featured cocktails, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions, and dancing to Brandywine Valley Talent’s Back2Life.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening occurred during the live auction when members of the audience came together to purchase the first official Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Pennsylvania license plate and donated it back to Alex’s parents, Liz and Jay Scott. In addition, by engaging the entire room, the live auction raised $100,000 for a research grant in only a few minutes.

The gala honored Jeff Benjamin, Jeff Michaud and Marc Vetri (of Vetri and Osteria), who created the foundation’s Great Chefs Event; the family of Denis and Marg Smith of Spring Lake, NJ, who were recognized as Stand Hosts of the Year having raised more than $140,000 during the past five years, and Paige and Mark Walsh of Kansas City who received the Volunteers of the Year award.