New Berlin Girl To Hold Lemonade Stand To Raise Funds For DSAW

NEW BERLIN, WI—Eleven-year-old Maddy Stannis is organizing a second annual lemonade stand in New Berlin on Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin.

The stand will be held from 1-5 p.m. at 13925 W. Sun Valley Dr. in New Berlin. Her parents, Kevin and Marita Stannis, and her 5-year-old brother Oliver will be helping.

Marita Stannis, who is on the Board of Directors for the Greater Milwaukee chapter, said they are doing a public event because nonprofits have been hit so hard due to the pandemic.

"We thought outside is perfect and you are still socially distancing. We are offering curbside pick-up if people are still nervous," Stannis told Patch.

Maddy, who has Down syndrome, enjoys helping out with fundraising for the organization.

"Because they help people with disabilities and I get to hang out with all my friends," Maddy said, when asked why she likes to help fundraise for DSAW.

Regular lemonade will be for sale, but Maddy insists on offering different flavors in the future. Even with regular lemonade, they raised $1,000 in 2019 with hopes of doubling it this year.

Maddy's lemonade stand co-chair is 8-year-old Julia Aguilar. Julia's mom, Julie Aguilar, is on the DSAW Board of Directors.

"DSAW has become like part of the family and a great resource for us," Aguilar told Patch.

Before Julia was born, Aguilar and her husband Jorge didn't know of anyone with Down syndrome. At first, they would get books on the subject but didn't find those very helpful. Like the Stannis family, they were introduced to the organization by a family event.

Aguilar said the resources DSAW provides are very valuable.

"If you talk to any of us parents with children with Down syndrome, it is actually a blessing. You can't imagine how much they teach you," Aguilar said.

Providing Support

DSAW's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

"DSAW does a lot of programming from baby on up for people who have Down Syndrome," Marita Stannis, Maddy's mother, said.

Stannis said they provide webinars, training for parents, teachers, and other useful information. The organization also reaches out to expectant mothers.

"The news is a little overwhelming. You generally don't know a lot about Down syndrome," Kevin Stannis said.

Maddy's parents feel grateful towards DSAW, which helped them immensely through education, social events, and more. For young adults, the organization helps develop skills to be independent.

"This has become my passion. I'm an advocate for her (Maddy) until she can advocate for herself," Marita Stannis said.

More On Maddy

During our talk on Tuesday, the little girl sat in a pretty turquoise and white sundress on her couch. Wisps of blonde hair were tucked to the side with a clip but a few loose strands tickled her face.

Maddy is a typical 11-year old who is full of energy and most of all kindness.

Maddy enjoys Friday night "Tween Club" through DSAW. The club allows her to socialize with her friends and gives parents a chance to relax for a little bit.

Due to the pandemic, in-person gatherings had to be changed to an online format. Maddy does courses on Zoom such as exercise classes and even a class about internet safety.

While she is too young to go on Facebook, she does love going on Pinterest with her Dad.

"I like looking at bedrooms because I want to go to a different house and move out like when I'm 16 or 18," Maddy laughed.

The tween also loves looking at YouTube videos of bottle flipping and is teaching herself how to do it. She listens to country music and is a huge fan of Kidz Bop.

Maddy is incredibly active in gymnastics and is in the Challenger League for baseball in Franklin, a league is for kids with special needs. Last weekend Maddy had her all start game and even had a walk up song, Luke Bryan's “Kick The Dust Up."

When Maddy grows up her goal is to be coach and living on her own.

"She is 11 going on 30,"Marita Stannis joked.

If you want to make online donations, you can use PayPal (maritastannis) or Venmo (marita-stannis) or Zelle (kstannis@hotmail.com). For more information visit the DSAW website.