Nevaeh Denine's lemonade stand raises $40,000 for kids with cancer

A little girl from the Goulds raised more than $40,000 for children with cancer this weekend at a tremendously successful lemonade stand.

Nevaeh Denine, 5, created Nevaeh's Lemonade Stand last year as a way of giving back to her community.

Denine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, called Neuroblastoma, two years ago. When people in the community fundraised to help with her expenses, Denine's family wanted to find a way to give back. It was Neveah who suggested a lemonade stand.

More than 7,000 people came out to the Gould's arena Sunday for a glass of lemonade and an afternoon of events.

Holly Denine, Nevaeh's mother, said she was overwhelmed by the magnitude of support.

"It's definitely heartwarming to see that so many people wanted to be on board," she said.

"That could be someone's car payment or put groceries in their fridge. Every little bit counts and we are so grateful for everyone coming together."

The inaugural lemonade stand last year raised $22,000. That total nearly doubled this year even though the event had to move indoors due to poor weather.

Dozens of people donated their goods and talents, including bouncy castles, ice cream, Zumba, and breakdancing. The event also featured several performances from groups such as the Masterless Men and the Celtic Fiddlers, as well as appearances from Allan Hawco and Mark Critch.

Holly Denine said that Nevaeh had a busy day, trying to meet as many people as possible while still enjoying the festivities as a five-year-old. One of the highlights of her day was serving people in the ice cream truck and seeing friends who have also gone through cancer.

"I don't think she really understands the magnitude of it all and what she's doing, but she was really happy to meet little kids," said Denine.

"Some of the kids she really wanted to see there were her friends who have been through a lot of this."

Denine said that there will definitely be another lemonade stand next year.