Lemonade Stand: Local Boys Raise Funds for Firefighter Families
Two brothers in Brooklyn, Ohio, sold out of handmade ornaments and seasonal drinks to support the families of a fallen and an injured North Royalton firefighter.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Approximately 30 customers visited the Heroes Lemonade stand on Memphis Avenue in Brooklyn, Ohio, on Sunday afternoon. Gideon and Josiah Trank operated the booth from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., selling a selection of beverages and snacks. The siblings set up the fundraiser to assist the families of two North Royalton firefighter-paramedics affected by a recent house fire.
Firefighter-paramedic Ryan Milligan, 36, died on Monday night while responding to a mutual aid call in Broadview Heights. His colleague, Andrew Protsman, 38, sustained serious injuries during the same incident. Since the accident, residents across Northeast Ohio have displayed red lights on their homes, thin red line flags, and yard signs to honor the crew. Red ribbons have also been tied throughout North Royalton.
The Trank brothers prepared their menu to match the autumn season. Gideon stated, "We're trying to match with like the season, so we got like cookies, apple cinnamon drinks." Beyond the food and drink, the family produced key chains and ornaments. These items featured designs honoring Milligan and expressing general support for the firefighting profession.
The demand for the merchandise exceeded the initial stock. The brothers sold out of their handmade ornaments quickly on Sunday. They continue to accept orders through their online page, Gideon and Josiah's Lemonade Stand for Heroes. Orders will close by the end of the week to allow time for additional production. Customers can submit requests by sending a message via the page's Facebook platform.
Milligan's visitation took place on Sunday evening at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights. The public gathering served as a focal point for community support. The Trank family aims to operate the stand at least one more time. They are currently deciding whether to reopen on Monday to continue raising funds.
All proceeds from the lemonade stand and merchandise sales will be divided equally between the two families. Josiah Trank described the experience as deeply personal for the brothers. He said, "It just feels really special to us.. just knowing we could help them more and make them feel a little better." The siblings plan to provide updates on their future sales efforts through their social media channels.
