Community Rallies for Young Entrepreneurs After Robbery

Two young boys, aged 11 and 14, had their lemonade stand earnings stolen on July 1. The incident occurred near the intersection of Edgewood and Augusta drives in Lima. The perpetrators, who were reportedly selling candy door-to-door, purchased lemonade and then fled with the money.

News of the theft quickly spread on social media, prompting a generous response from the local community. Tom Evans, owner of Tom's Auto Detailing, offered to host the boys' lemonade stand at his business. The event, held on Thursday, saw significant community turnout.

First responders, law enforcement from Lima, Shawnee Township, and Allen County, as well as local residents, showed up to support the boys. Food trucks, including RAD Street Treats and Brent's Rolling Kitchen, also participated. Evans stated his goal was to show the boys that such negative acts are not representative of everyone.

AJ DeVita, the 11-year-old, returned to serving lemonade at the event. The two suspects involved in the July 1 theft have been identified and linked to other similar incidents. A portion of the funds raised during the event will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a charity dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.