Lemonade with Ice Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Youth at Its 10th Annual Gala

A Decade of Impact, Two Scholarships Awarded, and a Community United to Create Brighter Futures

Houston, Texas 

On October 24, 2026, Lemonade with Ice proudly celebrated its 10th Annual Gala – A Decade of Empowering Youth at Pelazzio Reception in Houston, Texas. The evening brought together community leaders, corporate sponsors, donors, volunteers, families, and young changemakers to celebrate ten years of service, generosity, and educational impact. More than a milestone celebration, the gala was a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when a community believes in the potential of young people.

We were honored to welcome Houston City Controller Christopher Hollins as our Guest of Honor. His participation and recognition of our young leaders made this milestone celebration especially memorable.

🎓 Celebrating Dreams: Two Educational Scholarships Awarded

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presentation of two educational scholarships to deserving students pursuing their academic dreams.

Emery Roan – Waller High School

A dedicated high school senior involved in academics, theatre, choir, and community service, Emery demonstrates the determination and commitment to learning that Lemonade with Ice strives to encourage.

Aerial – Texas Tech University

A freshman at Texas Tech University, Aerial represents the next generation of students working toward a brighter future through higher education.

These scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They symbolize hope, opportunity, encouragement, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed.

These life-changing opportunities would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community supporters.

🌟 Honoring Youth Leadership and Community Changemakers

The gala also recognized young individuals whose leadership, compassion, and commitment to service are making a meaningful difference.

2026 Youth Award Honorees

• Amanda Marroquin – EmpowerHer Award, recognizing her commitment to uplifting and inspiring others.

• Cori Richard – Young Leader of the Year, celebrating her leadership and positive community contributions.

The evening also recognized community champions and sponsors whose commitment has helped advance our mission, including Akku Patel of Karat 22 Jewelers honored as Corporate Champion.

💛 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors

Behind every scholarship awarded, every educational opportunity created, and every young person empowered stands a community of generous supporters.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Diamond Sponsor, Aria Kottaka Raj, and our Platinum Sponsors, Aryavir Singh and Shauryavir Singh, for their extraordinary generosity and belief in our mission.

We are equally grateful to our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors, in-kind donors, auction contributors, and community partners.

Your support makes it possible for Lemonade with Ice to continue providing scholarships, educational resources, STEM and financial literacy workshops, youth leadership opportunities, and programs for underserved students.

You did not simply sponsor an event. You invested in dreams, opened doors to opportunities, and helped shape brighter futures.

🎶 An Evening of Celebration, Talent, and Giving

Our 10th Annual Gala featured memorable performances and moments that reflected the spirit of community and youth empowerment.

Guests enjoyed a performance by the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra, a special musical performance by Anastasia Patoka-Smith, scholarship and youth award presentations, and a celebration of our decade-long journey.

Our silent and live auctions, along with the evening’s fundraising activities, brought supporters together around a shared purpose: expanding educational opportunities for young people.

The evening also featured our 10-year impact video, highlighting the journey from a small lemonade stand to a growing nonprofit making a difference across communities.

❤️ The People Behind the Mission

As a completely volunteer-run nonprofit, Lemonade with Ice is powered by young leaders who balance school, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments while dedicating their time to serving others. We extend our deepest appreciation to our Youth Leadership Team, Board of Directors, Advisory Board, volunteers, event planning team, and families. Your countless hours of dedication and unwavering belief in our mission have helped transform a childhood dream into a decade of meaningful impact.

🚀 The Next Decade Begins

As we celebrate ten years of impact, we are looking toward the future with renewed purpose. Our commitment remains strong: to expand access to education, nurture youth leadership, encourage entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for underserved young people to discover their potential.

Our first decade was about proving that young people can make a difference. Our next decade is about empowering even more young people to lead that difference.

To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, community partner, and supporter who has been part of our journey—thank you for believing in us. Together, we are turning generosity into opportunity, compassion into action, and dreams into brighter futures.

Here’s to the next decade of Empowering Youth Through Education!