After raising more than $16,000, Santa Cruz senior holds final lemonade stand fundraiser
By Brooke Kinebrew
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SANTA CRUZ, California (KSBW) — Andrew Trowbridge, a senior at Santa Cruz High, has been raising money for Second Harvest Food Bank by making and selling homemade lemonade since he was 10 years old, inspired by his father’s teachings on the importance of giving back.
“100 percent, I love that it goes to people in need. Even though I’m never going to see those people who it goes to, I know that it’s going to help somebody,” Trowbridge said.
Over the past six years, Trowbridge has raised more than $16,000, with the funds directly supporting the purchase of food and gas for drivers who distribute food and diapers.
One dollar provides three meals.
“There’s nothing that I get out of this,” he said.
“I think Andrew is a great model of what it looks like to want to make a difference in your community and just start, so I hope it inspires others to follow in his footsteps,” said Mary Casey, the chief people and culture officer at Second Harvest Food Bank.
The community has rallied around Trowbridge’s initiative, including support from his high school’s band, which will perform at the fundraiser this weekend.
“The impact that he has to support them and their mission is remarkable. and I had no idea how much impact he had,” family friend and Santa Cruz High School band director Christy Latham said.
“My goal for the day is to bring joy. Music can bring joy and community and togetherness,” Trowbridge said.
In 2018, Trowbridge raised $484, and in 2023, he raised $5,001.
“If we even raise, like, $20, that’s my hope because it’s going to someone in need,” he said.
As Trowbridge prepares to graduate, he plans to close the chapter on this event, but intends to continue helping people in the future.
“Not just the money, but just the happiness that brings everyone around the event and pretty much the community just to get to come together over trying to fight hunger,” he said.
Drew’s seventh and final lemonade stand fundraiser is Sunday, Sept. 28, from noon to 5 p.m. at Santa Cruz High School.
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