From selling refreshing lemonade, warm cookies and creative crafts, the students of Stepping Stone Schools in Austin, TX put their business minds and giving hearts to work at the schools’ Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists summer camp program – all to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. The students raised over $3,000 through the sale of their goods and Stepping Stone School matched and exceeded all funds. Together, they donated $6,500 to support the families with hospitalized children that rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.

Stepping Stone’s summer camp program combines teaching students how to plan, prepare and conduct a series of businesses while learning how to give back. The young students did everything from developing advertisements and pricing strategies for their businesses, plus they learned how to work as a team and most importantly, had fun!

“Stepping Stone School is thrilled to partner with RMHC for the sixth year,” expressed Rhonda Paver, executive director and founder of Stepping Stone School. “We appreciate the opportunity to develop the young minds and character of these children on behalf of our community.”

Stepping Stone School’s Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists program began in 2010 and has supported RMHC CTX from year one. Since they began supporting RMHC CTX, Stepping Stone School has donated over $19,000.

“It’s amazing when young students learn about creating their own businesses and the importance of giving back to their communities,” comments Carolyn Schwarz, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. “We are so appreciative of their creative ideas to design and sell their goods to support our children and families. It’s because of generous friends like the Stepping Stone School that we are able to comfort and care for our families while their children heal in the hospital.”