Riley Construction’s

Good Stand Project

Turning Lemonade Stands Into Community Impact

The Good Stand Project is a new community initiative created by Riley Construction to empower young people to make a difference in their communities.

Launched in 2026, the inaugural Good Stand Project challenged youth across Wisconsin and Illinois to turn a simple lemonade stand into a force for good. Participants were invited to share a nonprofit or cause that mattered to them and explain how they hoped to make an impact.

Each year, Riley Construction will select youth whose passion for helping others stands out. We design and build custom lemonade stands, provide them free of charge, and support their fundraising efforts by matching donations up to $2,500.

Here’s how it works:

  • Riley Construction designs and builds the lemonade stand.
  • Youth recipients raise funds for a nonprofit or cause they care about.
  • Riley Construction matches funds raised up to $2,500 per recipient.

For our inaugural year, we received more than 200 applications from inspiring young people across Greater Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha/Racine, and Waukegan/Lake County. After reviewing submissions, four recipients were selected based on their passion, purpose, and commitment to helping others.

Their stories remind us that making a difference doesn’t require a large organization or a big budget. It starts with caring about your community and taking action.

Meet the 2026 Good Stand Project Recipients:

GREATER MILWAUKEE

Abigail & Elizabeth Figueroa

Greenfield, Wisconsin
Supporting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Southeast Wisconsin

Abigail and Elizabeth are raising funds in support of their brother, Dylan, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. Through their lemonade stand, they hope to raise awareness and support families affected by cystic fibrosis while contributing to ongoing efforts to improve lives and advance research.

MADISON

Remy Freeman

DeForest, Wisconsin
Supporting: American Family Children’s Hospital & Meriter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Behavioral Health Unit

Inspired by his own experiences receiving care and support, Remy is raising funds to provide art supplies and sensory materials for children in the hospital. His goal is to help bring comfort, creativity, and joy to young patients facing difficult circumstances.

KENOSHA/RACINE

Caden Graham

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Supporting: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

At just five years old, Caden believes every child deserves a safe place to sleep. Through his lemonade stand, he is raising funds to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace and help provide beds for children and families in need throughout the Kenosha and Racine communities.

WAUKEGAN/LAKE COUNTY

Ella Graupman

Wadsworth, Illinois
Supporting: Family First Center of Lake County

After experiencing the support Family First Center provided to her own family, Ella is giving back. She hopes to help the organization continue serving local families by raising funds through her Good Stand Project lemonade stand.

Follow Their Journey

Throughout the summer, each recipient will host lemonade stand events in their community, raising money for causes close to their hearts. We’ll be sharing event dates and fundraising updates right here as these young changemakers work to make a difference.

Together, we’re proving that even the smallest stand can create a big impact.