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Lemonade Day chose Eva Nelson as its Volunteer of the Year in Dallas. While many volunteers enriched the Lemonade Day experience, it’s because of Eva Nelson that a group of Dallas girls were able to sell lemonade on Lemonade Day two years before the event saw light of day in their city.

When Eva heard about Houston’s Lemonade Day, she got her entire Girl Scout troop to join in the event. She encouraged them all to register, and when they didn’t have Internet access to do so, she registered on their behalf. Because of her hard work, the girls have been part of Lemonade Day for three years now.

This year, the first year that Dallas held Lemonade Day, Eva stepped up her volunteer efforts. First, she brought the girls to the mayor’s kickoff. She then volunteered at Home Depot’s Build-a-Stand event. She also persuaded her coworkers at City Hall to sign their children up. Her enthusiasm is part of the reason kids from more than 37 cities and towns participated in Lemonade Day Dallas this year. 

“It was a wonderful experience being able to provide so much to the leaders of tomorrow—the youth,” she said. “If I could have done more, I would have, with no questions asked. Our leaders of tomorrow needed to be part of this project, and I didn’t want anyone to be left out.” 

As a volunteer, Eva was most rewarded by the smiles on the children’s faces. The potentially future-altering knowledge and confidence they gained during the experience will be unforgettable for them and useful for the rest of their lives, she said.

Eva says she also learned a lot about herself during the process. “Volunteering this year has taught me that I have a passion for children,” she said, explaining that she was excited and motivated throughout the Lemonade Day preparation and activities.

Surprised by her award, Eva said she and her daughters had a great time, and they cannot wait until next year. She is grateful to the individuals (Peggy, Robert and Reid) who gave her the opportunity to serve on the team, and she urged parents to get on board with Lemonade Day in the future.

“This is a program for everyone!” she said. “This program introduces children to the business world in the easiest form. Most of all, everything is provided to you for free!”