Rincon, Ga. — With a heart of gold and a lemonade stand, a young entrepreneur raised nearly $3,500 for student lunch funds in Effingham County.

Seven-year-old Beckham, a student at Ebenezer Elementary School, holds his school close to his heart. Beckham’s school held a market day, where students were encouraged to create a product and sell it to their peers. Inspired by the event, Beckham began brainstorming ideas with his mother to do his own community service project outside of school.

Beckham was involved in every part of the process, from helping his mother make the lemonade to crafting handmade bracelets. His parents, Brooke and Bill Peterson, promised to match whatever he raised. Word of Beckham’s efforts quickly spread beyond Effingham County, leading to an influx of donations.

“It was way more than we could have hoped for,” Brooke said. “I was shocked at how many people that aren’t even from here asked for my Venmo so they could send money or even just words of encouragement.”

Beckham was surprised by the attention that came with being a business owner. Everywhere his family went, people recognized him from the lemonade stand.

The stand became the highlight of Beckham’s summer. The experience not only introduced him to entrepreneurship, but also taught him the value of giving back.

“Doing the project meant a lot,” Brooke said. “Seeing Beckham’s joy and how helping others made him feel good is what made it so cool to me.”

Through lemonade and bracelet sales, Beckham raised more than $1,700. With his parents' match, the total donation for school lunch funds came to nearly $3,500.

Beckham hopes to keep the stand going — and stay committed to supporting lunch funds in his community.