Birthday Fundraiser Building Homes
Shelby Chandler | August 5, 2026
Eleven-year-old Cora June celebrated her birthday this summer by hosting her annual lemonade stand fundraiser benefiting Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh and raised an amazing $1,769!
The fundraiser was hosted this year at Highland United Methodist Church, a long-time partner of Habitat Greater Raleigh.
Cora June started this tradition in Raleigh in 2024 after previously raising money on her birthday for Habitat for Humanity while living in Georgia. Altogether, her family has raised almost $5,000 to support affordable housing in their communities.
“It’s not always easy to explain nonprofits, fundraising or housing insecurity to an elementary school child, but this became an opportunity to learn together,” said Kelly, Cora June’s mom.
“Like most kids, she’s had moments of learning and growing through it, especially in understanding that it’s not just about the stand itself—it’s about empathy, responsibility and realizing that even small efforts can really add up.”
Cora June and her family spend time each year preparing lemonade, decorating signs and welcoming people eager to celebrate her birthday and support Habitat's mission.
“If I didn’t have a home, it would feel different because I wouldn’t have a nice warm bed to lie in,” Cora June said. “I would feel more anxious if I didn’t have a place to live.”
Every dollar raised helps Habitat Greater Raleigh partner with local families to build safe, affordable homes in Wake, Johnston and Franklin counties.
“Each year she understands a little more about why she’s doing it, and it’s been incredible to see her compassion grow alongside her confidence, and the influence it has had on her brother,” Kelly said. “What started as a simple lemonade stand has become a tradition that reminds our whole family that you’re never too young to make a meaningful impact.”
We're incredibly grateful to Cora June and her family for once again choosing to celebrate her birthday investing in Habitat’s mission.
Related Posts
Shelby Chandler | August 2, 2024
Ask a child what they want for their birthday, and you might hear some similar answers: maybe a Lego set or an art project, maybe a new soccer ball or video game. But not for nine-year-old Cora June. This year, she had a different wish: to host a lemonade stand and raise money for Habitat.
CJ spent a 95° birthday weekend selling lemonade and orangeade in her neighborhood and at her grandparents’ congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, a Habitat Faith Partner of at least 10 years.
First published on habitatraleigh.org