The Montecito Country Mart Lemonade Stand
July’s predicted warmer weather calls for lemonade at the Montecito Country Mart, now being served by our local schools and youth programs. Here is the upcoming schedule:
Saturday, July 11, 12 – 2 pm, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School [OLMCS]
Saturday, July 18, 12 – 2 pm, Youth Runners Academy, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
I reached out to OLMCS Principal Tracie Simolon for more details. She referred me to Erica Holtgrewe, OLMCS first grade teacher, who shared the background of their July 11 lemonade stand work and explained where the funding is going:
“Andrea Alfano, who is a parent of a second grader and preschooler at OLMCS, is spearheading the project along with the 2026-2027 2nd grade class. Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is a welcoming and nurturing community serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Rooted in faith, academic excellence, and strong family values, our school provides a supportive environment where children are encouraged to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Through meaningful relationships, service, and a close-knit community, we help students build confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. Funds raised will directly support the arts, music, and physical education programs for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, enriching their educational experience and ensuring they have opportunities to explore creativity, develop healthy lifestyles, and grow as well-rounded individuals.”
For the Congo River Marathon, it took more than a minute to find a local connection, but after canvasing social media, I discovered that its President, Nancy Bachmann, is located in one of our favorite neighboring towns, Ojai. I reached out to her on Instagram and did an interview via email over this July 4th weekend about their funding focus via the lemonade stand July 18.
Q. Who will be working the stand?
A. I am an Ojai resident and president of the Congo River Marathon Foundation, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. I’ll be working the stand alongside family and friends, serving a handcrafted Ojai Pixie Tangerine Lemonade inspired by my background in wellness and cold-pressed juices.
We’re excited to share one of our favorite summer lemonade recipes with the Montecito community while raising funds for the Foundation’s Youth Runners Academy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is the fundraiser supporting?
All proceeds from the lemonade stand will go directly to the Youth Runners Academy in Kinshasa, founded in 2025 as a free community program for young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Academy uses running as a gateway to something much bigger, offering access to sport, education, mentorship, and personal development opportunities. It also provides essential running gear and equipment, helping to remove financial barriers so more youth can participate in organized athletics. At its core, the initiative is about more than sport. It’s about creating healthier communities and using running as a tool to empower the next generation with confidence, discipline, and opportunity.
Could you tell us more about the Congo River Marathon?
The Congo River Marathon was founded in 2021 by myself and my Congolese business partner, Rolly Kayumba (an idea that developed over the phone between Ojai and the DR Congo during the pandemic). What began as a shared vision across continents has since grown into one of Central Africa’s leading running events.
This year’s sixth edition will take place on September 13 and features a marathon, half marathon, and 10K. At its heart, the event is about more than sport. One of my goals has been to build a bridge through running and cultural exchange, offering participants the chance to experience the country’s rich culture, cuisine, hospitality, and to connect with the students of the Youth Runners Academy.
Is the marathon being supported by any local businesses?
Not yet. I am planning to organize an Ojai 5K here and link it with the Foundation. I have submitted the event to the City of Ojai. It is not confirmed as of yet.
More about the MCM Lemonade Stand: The MCM provides the lemonade stand, cups, and dispenser; and the organization brings the lemonade to serve to customers, tip jar, money to make change, signage, and fliers. There is a MCM admin fee.
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