Zellmers fundraise for March of Dimes with lemonade stand

Melissa Zellmer and her family set up a lemonade stand Friday to fundraise for March of Dimes, an organization that’s mission is to bring awareness to premature births and provide better access to women’s preconception, prenatal and interconception educations, enhanced prenatal care and risk reduction services.

The Zellmer family is one of the many families in Iowa that have experienced difficult pregnancies resulting in extreme premature birth, baby loss, long NICU stays and even a full-term birth.

“We benefited from research and advocacy for healthy pregnancies, healthy mamas and healthy babies during each pregnancy and we want to help other families too,” said Melissa.

The Zellmer family was chosen as the 2018 March of Dimes Ambassador Family for the Des Moines signature Chefs Auction and have committed to sharing their story and personally fund raising $5,000 for the March of Dimes.

“As a family, we have been talking about ways to raise money for March of Dimes,” said Melissa.

Jace Zellmer, 4 who was born prematurely in September 2013, told his mom that he wanted to do a lemonade stand this summer so the family put the two ideas together to make the fundraiser.

At only 23 weeks and 1 lb 3 oz, Jace had a very slim chance of survival at birth but, with the resources and programs funded by the March of Dimes, he survived.

“A decade ago, a 23-week birth would have been impossible. This is why our fundraising efforts for the March of Dimes is so important,” said Melissa.

The March of Dimes has had a long history since its establishment in 1938 started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat polio. At one point, the fundraiser was an annual event that requested every person to donate a dime. Thousands of envelopes with dimes flooded the White House to help the Presidents cause. Since then, the March of Dimes continues its mission to reduce premature births, birth defects and other prenatal problems.

“The money we raise helps Iowa’s smallest babies and it helps give every baby a fighting chance,” said Melissa.

The family set up a lemonade stand in their front yard Friday and were overwhelmed by the support they received from their family, friends, businesses, and strangers.

Jace’s goal for the lemonade stand was to raise $300 but the family exceeded that goal by raising $700 on Friday alone.

“I am so thankful for our Creston Community and for the support we receive on a daily basis. How amazing what one little boy can do with a little lemonade, a great cause and our wonderful community,” said Melissa.

Jace will have his lemonade stand at today’s farmers market with hopes of fund raising $300.

The Zellmers will continue their fund raising mission until the Signature Chef Auction on October 3rd, where they will attend the event and share their story.