A 5-year-old East Village resident, inspired by his admiration for soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, successfully raised nearly $200 by operating a lemonade stand. Mason Whittaker aimed to purchase a limited-edition Cristiano Ronaldo LEGO set, which retailed for $80.
Mason's mother, Heather Doll, explained to her son that he would need to earn the money for the toy himself. Together, they decided a lemonade stand would be an effective method. Mason, along with friends, managed the stand on a Wednesday afternoon on East 7th Street. The stand was decorated with soccer stickers and a banner. The event attracted numerous neighbors and pedestrians who purchased $2 cups of lemonade. Mason Whittaker manned the lemonade stand on East 7th Street. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post
Within two hours, the stand had generated approximately $186 from sales and tips, exceeding the initial goal. Doll noted that customers often added extra money as tips.
Customers provided Whittaker with cash and Venmo tips. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post
Afterward, Mason and Doll visited a LEGO store and opted for a less expensive $30 Ronaldo set. The remaining funds are designated for thank-you gifts for the friends who assisted with the lemonade stand. Mason has expressed interest in repeating the venture, potentially with a football theme in the fall. The LEGO set that inspired Mason's endeavor was part of the toy company's FIFA World Cup collection.