Birches Elementary School Second Grade Holds Annual Lemonade Stand Fundraiser in Honor of Cole Fitzgerald

For Immediate Release

May 3, 2024

The second-graders and staff pose for a group shot during the lemonade stand event.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – On Friday, April 26th, the Birches Elementary School second-grade classes held their Eighth annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This year was extra special, as the stand was held in memory of former Birches student Cole Fitzgerald. 

Cole’s parents, Keren and Bill Fitzgerald, stopped by to share memories of Cole’s years at Birches. Cole, a 2022 Washington Township High School graduate, passed away on December 15, 2023, after an 18-month courageous battle with cancer.

The second graders had a great time serving lemonade to their classmates and participating in other organized activities throughout the day. The classes had many parent volunteers and generous support from the Birches PTO, as well, and they exceeded their stand goal by raising more than $2,500.

The second-grade staff includes: Lindsay Minton, Danielle Mace, Maryanne Schaper, Julie Riggs, and Jill Wielhouwer.

Students were hard at work selling lemonade.

Birches staff are joined by Cole Fitzgerald’s parents, Bill and Kerrie, during the lemonade stand event. Pictured include (left to right): teachers Karen Moore and Lindsay Minton, Bill Fitzgerald, Kerrie Fitzgerald, teachers Angela Marchand, Kristi Fuller, MaryAnn Schaper, and Angelina Haslett. Each staff member had Cole as a student while at Birches.

- WTPS -