061226...R BERK LEMONADE 3...Warren...06-12-26...Krystal Dillon of N. Jackson, a Berk Enterprise employee, tries her hand at winning a gift basket with raffle tickets while attending the 2nd annual Lemonade Day benefitting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to support the fight against childhood cancer...by R. Michael Semple

WARREN — Family, food, fun and foundation fundraising occurred on Friday during Berk Enterprise Inc.’s second annual Lemonade Day benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

The charity provides money for pediatric cancer research and family support. After the success of its inaugural Lemonade Day, Berk Enterprises made it an annual event.

“We decided to hold a second fundraiser to help bring more awareness to the foundation and its mission, while also giving our community another opportunity to get involved and make a difference,” said Reilly Berk, President & CEO of Berk Enterprises. Bobby Poweski of Howland learned of the fundraiser through a Trumbull County Tourism event email. He brought his three daughters to Lemonade Day after picking them up from swim practice.

“I wanted to support a good cause,” Poweski said.

Isla Poweski, 7, liked having her face painted by Sarah Allen of Fab Faces. Allen traveled from Cleveland to work at the event.

“This was my first year being involved with the Lemonade Stand here. It was a beautiful day to travel and for an excellent cause,” Allen said.

Evelyn Milleson of Warren works at Berk Enterprise and helped clean up throughout the event. Her husband Randy, and granddaughter, McKinley, 6 enjoyed the afternoon together.

“All morning, McKinley kept asking, ‘What time is it? Is it time to go?’ She was so excited to come again this year,” grandpa Randy Milleson said.

For some who attended Berk Enterprise’s fundraiser, they already were aware of the foundation.

“We had a lemonade stand at work last week,” said Kristen Robinson of Niles.

She and her twin sister, Katelynn Robinson, work at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Niles.

Katelynn emphasized her support of the foundation and feels lucky that everyone is healthy.

“I love my nieces. They are my world. This charity is close to my heart,” Katelynn said.

Antonio Ray of Warren, an employee at Berk Enterprises, took his lunch break to enjoy the lemonade stand. Sadly, cancer touched his family

“I fully support the event and the organization. I had a cousin and an aunt pass away from cancer. They were young,” Ray said.

Sandy Montgomery, assistant major gifts officer at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, attended the event from her Akron area office. Montgomery has personal experience with pediatric cancer. Her son died 20 years ago.

Besides thanking the business for the wonderful event and the success of their fundraising efforts, Montgomery gave positive insight to the fight against childhood cancer.

“I love working for an organization that gives children futures and their family futures. The survival rates for children with cancer keeps going up,” she said.

For the second year in a row, the Warren business helped children have more futures with the money raised at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

“Our fundraising goal this year is $10,000 but we’re really hoping to exceed that and double what we raised last year,” Berk said.

As they plan for their third annual event for next year, the business hopes to increase their goal and dollars raised once again.