You’ve heard the old saying that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade? If that’s true, Shea Dowling, a 6-year-old from Haymarket, is making gallons of grief a little easier for families of the 72 fallen law enforcement heroes who died in the 9/11 tragedy.

Dowling, a first-grader, raised over $1,470 on May 1 at the Lion and Bull Restaurant in Haymarket at a lemonade stand, through the sales of drinks, t-shirts and charitable contributions and tips, and hopes to raise even more this Thursday at a stand in D.C.

The proceeds are going to the Twin Towers Initiative, which is donating money for a national law enforcement museum to be built in 2013 through the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. 

“She just wanted to help others, other than just donating items,” says her mom, Maureen Dowling. Shea Dowling chose the Twin Towers charity in honor of family members serving in law enforcement.

“I get to help a very nice charity,” the six-year-old said.

The stand was part of National Lemonade Day, the first Sunday in May, where kids learn to set goals, develop a business plan, establish a budget, seek investors and provide customer service, and give back to the community. They have workbooks to help them through their business plan.

“She learns to get a little (from investors), keep a little, and give a little,” says Maureen Dowling. She raised funds for capital by asking family members for $5 and $10 donations. She even recently sought the help of Donald Trump by writing him a letter. (He has not replied as of press time.) The Lion and Bull sponsored her stand on May 1, which ironically was the day Osama Bin Laden was killed.

“The hardest part for her was asking people,” her mom said. “It breaks your heart that people say no, but she has to learn to ask for help, and she has to learn to accept that some people are really very busy. People want to help.”

The fund-raising is far from over; they hope to replicate last week’s success on Thursday. Dowling and her parents will be selling lemonade in D.C. on Thursday, May 12, at the corner of 4^th and E, NW, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.  They’re making 16 gallons— as they did for the restaurant stand-- and will lug 5 gallon coolers, ice, and cups to the corner, where they hope thirsty commuters will enjoy a cold glass of lemonade to raise funds during National Police Week.

And what will Shea like best about the event?

“Seeing all the police officers, and I’ll try not to be shy. I will try to talk to them about why I’m selling lemonade,” she said.

Any other comments?

“Get your lemon on!” she laughs, ready to sell a few cups in memory of 72 fallen heroes.