Lemonade for a cause: 3-year-old girl inspires Henderson Police officers with every cup
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) - A simple act of kindness can go a long way, and on Tuesday, a 3-year-old girl found that out firsthand.
At 3 years old, Theresa Ann Babcock was barely visible behind the dispenser, pouring cup after cup of ice-cold lemonade.
Surely a lemonade stand is nothing new, but Theresa Ann made this stand special. She and her family set up the stand to help the officers killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The sign on the front of the stand read: “Police Free.”
“It's just the coolest thing in the world. Especially with what's happening these last few weeks and what's going on in the country. You see the turnout. It's heartwarming,” said Capt. Brian Dunaway of the Henderson Police Department.
The Henderson preschooler was inspired to open her lemonade stand while watching a Disney TV show, but at the time her dad said no. He said there was not enough traffic in their neighborhood to make it profitable. Then, more tragedy out of Louisiana as three officers were shot and killed Sunday. That’s when the idea for lemonade for a cause was born.
“Then Baton Rouge happened. These are the guys running in when everyone else is running away. And I asked her, 'What if we donate to cops?' And she said yes,” said Robert Babcock, Theresa Ann’s dad.
Robert Babcock says all the money raised will go to the families of the officers killed in Baton Rouge. While technically officers were offered a free drink at the stand, none of the officers left Theresa Ann empty-handed. Instead, officers left behind $5, $10, $20, and even $100 as donations.
Reporter: "What is this?"
Theresa: "A badge."
Reporter: "You're a junior police officer?"
Theresa: "Yes."
“What we hope is something positive will come out of this. And you're seeing it today, people coming together,” said Capt. Dunaway.
All because of a little girl in a red, white, and blue dress on a mission, making a difference with every cup poured.
“We didn't know it was going to get this big. But we're glad it did. We appreciate what they do,” said Robert Babcock.
According to Theresa's father, Robert Babcock, over 1,300 dollars was raised Tuesday.
