Sometimes in the face of tragedy, people just need a feel-good story to cling to, and more often than not, it is the wisdom and actions of our children that help us move forward. In Arvada, Colorado a fatal shooting tragically ended the life of Officer Gordon Beesley. Two elementary school girls Scarlet Reust and Addyson Elliott were moved to do something for Officer Beesley’s family, to help in some kind of way. So they decided to sell lemonade to raise funds for them.
According to Local CBS Affiliate WJTV, “Scarlett and Addyson went to work and did what kids do best, open up a lemonade stand. It did not take long until customers showed up, regardless of thirst.
“We sold about six jugs of the lemonade. People came and didn’t even want any lemonade but just gave us money. It just grew and grew and grew and grew and grew and grew,” said Scarlett.
“We were blown away by that, and they were like, ‘Maybe we could get to $500, let’s go out another day,’” Scarlett’s mother, Ashley Conn, said.”
Fox31 reported that Officer Beesley was a School Resource Officer at Oberon Middle School working patrol over the summer when he was killed in a shooting “along with 40-year-old John Hurley — identified by police as a good “Samaritan” in the incident — while responding to a report of suspicious activity, although further details have not yet been released. The shooter also was killed.”
A Yuuuuge Response from Arvada, CO To Raise Funds
After two days of selling lemonade, the girls presented two checks, totaling $1,850 to Arvada Police Chief Link Strate.
WJTV reported, “We sold about six jugs of the lemonade. People came and didn’t even want any lemonade but just gave us money. It just grew and grew and grew and grew and grew and grew,” said Scarlett.
“We were blown away by that, and they were like, ‘Maybe we could get to $500, let’s go out another day,’” Scarlett’s mother, Ashley Conn, said.
“For those two little girls to think of him and to work on that lemonade stand and to give their proceeds to Officer Beesley’s family, will make a statement to this department that I don’t believe I can express,” Strate said.
So great to see @ArvadaPolice Chief Strate smile! These girls had a lemonade stand and raised $1850 for fallen Officer Beesley’s family @KDVR @channel2kwgn pic.twitter.com/15TjnYv2nV
— Deborah Takahara (@debtakahara) June 30, 2021
Unfortunately, Scarlett and Addyson have finished their sale so you can’t quench your thirst with a glass of their lemonade. But if you want to help with donations for Officer Beesley’s family and funeral funds you still can through the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation website. The Arvada Police Department has also set up a web form for people wishing to make non-monetary donations.
