Tuesday, June 7, 2011

What's the Big Idea?

The big idea behind this blog is the summer project I am going to be doing this year with my son (soon to be) nine-year-old, Justice. First, a little background...


My son and I are 2/3 of a vegan family living near Chicago. Yes, we are that wacky family. We bring our own cake to birthday parties: we speak up for pigeons when mean people try to throw rocks at them. We sprain our eyeballs studying labels. We like to have fun, too, and we loooove to share quality vegan refreshments for a good cause. Over the past few years, my son and I have been involved in hosting bake sales to raise money for those in need. We have helped organize bake sales that have raised over $5,000 for charities.

This summer, instead of getting heatstroke at camp as his counselors send texts and nap at the picnic table, Justice will be hanging with me. Poor kid! I am an insatiably project-oriented hyper-spazz (yes, that is the medical term) of a mother so we are going to make good productive use of our quality time together. Toward that end, we will be putting on once-a-week lemonade stands with an irresistible treat or two for sale as well. Everything will be vegan, fair-trade, organic and as compostible (or low-waste) as possible. Because we are that wacky family. Along with our refreshments, we'll be dispensing Vegetarian Starter Kits and copious amounts of pixie dust. Honestly, my kid is very cute.

Details are still being hashed out but it looks like at summer's end, the beneficiaries will be Mercy For Animals, The Sea Shepherd, Oak Park's Animal Care League and the Have a Heart Farm. We can't wait! More details to follow and we look forward to an exciting, rewarding summer.

10 comments:

Rhea Parsons said...

"Justice, what a great idea. That is soooo cool. I wish I lived in Chicago so I could come there and buy some of your delicious Vegan goodies.

You are an AMAZING kid. You're doing so much good for others.

I wish you and your Mom lots of luck and hope you have tons of fun. You're going to have the best summer EVER!!!

Best, Rhea"

Jessica @vegbooks said...

Love it! If my 5-year-old and I lived anywhere near Chicago, we'd be regulars. Good luck!!

Marla said...

Thank you, Rhea! We so appreciate your support and are looking forward to a fantastic summer.

Marla said...

Thanks, Jessica!

Charlie Talbert said...

You go, Justice! If we're down by your neighborhood this summer, we'll definitely stop by your lemonade stand. You may not remember, but several years ago you visited us with your parents, up here in Kenosha, when your dad spoke at our church. (You were quite interested in a vacant birds' nest we had on a table.)

Best wishes for your lemonade venture. Healthy treats for good causes - everybody wins!

Charlie and Vicky

Janet Weeks V said...

[Lemonade] Stand For Kindness! AND Mercy For Animals. What could be better?! :)))

Sneaky Vegan said...

I'm so jealous. I've always wanted a lemonade stand! And a charitable one to boot? You are absolutely the coolest kid E-V-E-R!!!

PS - I don't suppose any of your yummy little treats would survive a transatlantic FedEx?? Drat. Good luck kiddo!!

Marla said...

Hi, Charlie -

Justice certainly does remember you and your lovely home and community. Please do let us know if you come to town!

Marla said...

Thanks, Janet! I agree!

Marla said...

As soon as we figure out how to mail trans-Atlantic treats, Sneaky Vegan, you are our first recipient. :)