At 6 A.M. on Sunday, November 9th, the entire Malvern football team volunteered at The Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Lemon Run in Fairmount Park to  support childhood cancer research.

Following a victory against Springside Chestnut Hill Academy the previous afternoon, our Boys in Blue put down their helmets and picked up tents, tables, and water coolers to help set up for the race.

“It was the fastest set up they ever had,” said Coach Aaron Brady. “They were very happy to have all those big, strong men helping out.”

“I think everybody on the team would agree that we had a great time, and really enjoyed helping out a great cause,” said Captain Alex Hornibrook ‘15 (#12). “Even though we were up before the sun was to help set up the event.  It was awesome to help others.”

In addition to the manual labor, the team also supported the runners by passing out drinks and cheering them on during the course of the race.

“Working the Lemon Run helped our team to bond not only at the task at hand, but also by helping other organizations get their word out about their programs,” said Trevor Morris ‘15 (#10), Captain and MVP of the Varsity Football Team.

The ALSF Lemon Run in Fairmount Park raised $220,000 (and counting).

In 2000, Alexandra (Alex) Scott, a young girl diagnosed with childhood cancer when she was one year old, decided to set up a lemonade stand with her brother, Patrick.  She wanted to raise money to help children suffering from the disease.

That first year, the four year old girl raised over $2,000.

The lemonade stand became an annual tradition, and raised more than $1 million before Alex’s death in 2004 at age 9. The next year, in keeping with Alex’s message, her parents set up Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to continue raising money for pediatric cancer.

“Meeting Alex’s mother was awesome,” said Morris. “It was great to finally hear her story and help out with her organization.”

Even though Malvern has service weekends, service trips, and service embedded into the core values, it’s still surprising for some to see Malvern clubs and athletics doing service as a team.

It is not surprising, however, to Mr. Larry Legner, Director of Christian Service at Malvern

“I think it is a fabulous idea,” said Legner. “I wish every club, activity, and team would come together to do it. Many already do, though it’s not well known that they do it. I think it brings the team members together, just as service trips do. I love that the guys do something that is really necessary on their own time.”

“As a team,” said Morris, “we should show that the Malvern brotherhood doesn’t only happen on the field, but can happen anywhere. We demonstrated that by giving a hand at the Lemon Run.”