Childhood cancer is a battle that touches hearts, inspiring acts of courage and compassion. One remarkable story that stands out in the fight against this formidable disease is that of Alex Scott, a young girl who turned lemons into lemonade, quite literally, to help find a cure. Today, her legacy lives on through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), an organization dedicated to raising funds for impactful childhood cancer research, supporting families, and spreading awareness. This year, Kampai and The Bistro at the Cloudveil Hotel, teamed up with ALSF once again for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that brought together a delightful dining experience and a powerful cause.
The Lemonade Stand Where it all Began
Alex Scott's journey began when she was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday. When she turned 4 years old in the year 2000, her indomitable spirit led her to set up a lemonade stand in her front yard, with the intention of using the proceeds to aid doctors in their quest to find a cure for childhood cancer. What started as a small lemonade stand blossomed into a movement, as Alex's story inspired people far and wide to create their own stands and contribute to her cause. Despite her own battle with cancer, Alex's determination remained unshaken, and by the time she passed away at the age of 8, her lemonade stands and inspiration had raised over $1 million for childhood cancer research.
Since Alex set up her first lemonade stand in 2000 the organization has raised more than $250 million. That money has helped to:
- Fund more than 1,000 cutting-edge research projects at nearly 150 institutions.
- Create a Travel For Care program to help support families of children receiving treatment and develop resources, such as our SuperSibs program to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer.
Fast forward to the present day, and Alex's legacy continues to drive change through ALSF. This July, Kampai and The Bistro at the Cloudveil Hotel, played their part in this remarkable journey for the third year in a row by hosting their very own version dubbed “Alex’s Table” where 134 community members joined together to raise $305,700 for childhood cancer research. The evening commenced with a cocktail hour at Kampai, where Chef Chris Massad led the charge in crafting a variety of dishes that were a unique twist on Japanese cuisine. The guests then moved to the rooftop of the Cloudveil Hotel, where a dinner prepared by a lineup of renowned chefs awaited them.
The event was nothing short of extraordinary with some of the finest culinary minds from across the country involved in curating an inspiring culinary experience. Each chef contributed a course, paired with the perfect wine, showcasing their dedication to the cause. The evening was a true celebration of fine dining, compassion, and the power of coming together for a greater purpose.
Participating Chefs
The participating chefs were not just cooking; they were creating change. Chef Chris Massad of Kampai, Chef Gavin Fine of Bin22, Chef Lee Wolen of Boka Restaurant Group in Chicago, Chef Emily Zuber of Wander in Jackson Hole, and Chef Michael Friedman, who helms various establishments in Washington, DC, all contributed their culinary prowess to the cause. With every dish they crafted, they demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.
A Night to Remember
The event was hosted by dedicated supporters of ALSF: Rebecca and Dmitry Balyasny, Casey and Tom Kalishman, and Kristin and Mike Kelly. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the foundation, showcasing how every person can play a role in bringing about a cure.
This remarkable evening wasn't just about fine dining; it was about hope, courage, and progress. By uniting in support of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Kampai and these visionary chefs demonstrated that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the ongoing battle against childhood cancer. Together, they showed that even in the face of adversity, humanity can come together to make a meaningful impact.
The legacy of Alex Scott lives on through each lemonade stand, each fundraiser, and each research project funded by ALSF. Kampai's participation in this event is a shining example of how businesses and individuals can join hands to create a brighter future for children battling cancer. As we raise our glasses, let us remember that by turning lemons into lemonade, we can turn adversity into hope.
To learn more about this organization, visit the link: www.alexslemonade.org