RICHMOND, Va. -- Anthem LemonAid, which raises money to help children fight cancer at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, is celebrating its 25th year during the annual benefit this Friday through Sunday.
WTVR CBS 6 once again hosted an Anthem LemonAid stand outside our historic Broad Street studios on Friday. This year's stand raised nearly $26,000 to fight childhood cancer as viewers visited the station to donate money throughout the day.
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PHOTOS: Anthem LemonAid at CBS 6
RELATED: Click here to find a list of stands around Central Virginia
The local food scene is also involved in the annual fundraiser. The CBS 6-sponsored Anthem LemonAid Restaurant Challenge sees area restaurants feature lemon-inspired dishes and donate a portion of their sales to the cause.
This year's participants are Mosaic Restaurant on River Road, Julep's New Southern Cuisine on East Grace Street, ZZQ on Moore Street, The Patio Thai on East Cary Street, Revel Market and Bar on Lakeside Avenue, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Sanctuary Trail Drive and area Gelati Celesti locations.
Every year, a patient is chosen to serve as the Anthem LemonAid Ambassador. Ava Lester, an 11-year-old from Fredericksburg, is undergoing treatment for leukemia.
“Ava is passionate about sharing encouragement on a day-to-day basis,” her mother, Rachel, said. “When she spoke at the Hope on Wheels event, she realized she could stand up and encourage people to help fight childhood cancer. She enjoyed it so much, she told us she wanted to be part of future efforts to support the cause.”
WATCH: Anthem LemonAid: Meet inspiring young ambassador for childhood cancer fundraiser
Click here to learn more about Anthem LemonAid or to make a donation.
Anthem LemonAid is made possible by generous community members and sponsors: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Richmond Ford, WTVR CBS 6 and Richmond Family Magazine.

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🍋 CBS 6 Anthem LemonAid stand raises money for young cancer patients
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