What started in 2018 as a grassroots fundraiser has grown into an annual tradition that now spans dozens of lemonade stands across the Phoenix Valley–all united under a single mission: “Children Helping Children.”
On April 27, more than 50 stands were hosted by kids and families as part of Lemonade Stand Day, an event organized by PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers). PANDA’s mission is to support the discovery of improved treatments and cures for rare childhood diseases by raising awareness and funds for pediatric medical breakthroughs.
For the third year in a row, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation proudly partnered with PANDA to support this community-driven event, contributing $30,000 to serve as the event’s presenting partner. The Foundation also helped sweeten the day, providing Sprouts Lemonade and Lemon Snaps for each of the stands. In total, Sprouts has donated over $50,000 to PANDA since the partnership began in 2023.
“It was incredible to be a part of the 2025 PANDA Lemonade Stand in Phoenix,” said Sabrina Perkins, Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Report. “Seeing kids so passionate about giving back was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at Sprouts. It’s not just about food, it’s about strengthening our communities and giving every child a healthier future.”
This year’s Lemonade Stand Day raised more than $50,000, with 100% of the money raised going to Steele Children’s Research Center at the University of Arizona. PANDA’s support helps advance research across six key areas: autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiology, microbiome, human genome, and endowments that support practicing clinicians and research scientists in pediatric care.
“Children are incredible champions of change, and when we empower them to make a change in their community and help others, the impact is lasting,” said Lyndsey Waugh, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation executive director. “It helps now and also nurtures a sense of supporting issues that are important to them and is carried with them throughout their life.”
The 25-year partnership between PANDA and the University of Arizona has led to a number of accomplishments, including the establishment of two interdisciplinary clinics, research projects underway in more than two dozen labs, more than $35 million raised for pediatric medical research, and the establishment of six research endowments that are funded in perpetuity.
Beyond Lemonade Stand Day, PANDA hosts an annual fashion show, auctions, sponsorships and other community campaigns. The organization also gives plush pandas to young patients, and their siblings, who are being treated at Steele Children’s Research Center.
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