Free outdoor event to be held at York University
York, NE ––According to a 2024 Four Corners Mental Health Assessment, nearly 90 percent of those surveyed cited youth suicide as a significant concern in York, Polk and area communities. This follows a stark, national trend among teenagers who are more connected yet more isolated, anxious and depressed than any generation before them.
A Nebraska-based nonprofit, Making Lemon-Aid, founded by York alum, Stacy Ford Bingham, is hosting a free, outdoor event at York University on Sat, July 27 from 3-6pm. The event is sponsored by local Wendy’s owner, Lonnie Berger and Bob Wayne of BancWise Realty and will feature more than 15 local vendors, a live band with uplifting cover songs, and a variety of speakers who will share real stories of triumph and victory to inspire and encourage youth and adults alike. Some area vendors include Chick-Fil-A, GoodyPop, Lemony Split, Forbys Shaved Ice, Renegade Antiques, Racheal’s Permanent Jewelry, Encouraging Pillows by Eliza, and more.
One of the Rebel keynote speakers, 10-year-old Eliza, founded a business called Encouraging Pillows by Eliza share, “I love God with my whole heart. My faith is the driving force behind my business. My hope is that everyone who receives a pillow would discover and know the hope found in Jesus.”
“We believe real stories breed hope. Our teenagers crave something real,” says Stacy Ford Bingham, founder of Making Lemon-Aid. Our young people need to know they are not alone. Our team brings diversity of backgrounds and experiences with one common thread: Your life matters and you can overcome and become all you were created to be.”
Making Lemon-Aid started in 2020 as a homegrown movement of hope and tangible way to help local businesses and families affected by the pandemic. Learn more about Making Lemon-Aid and the Rebel event and register at www.makinglemon-aid.com. The event will be held at York University regardless of the weather.
