LemonARF Returns for Summer 2026 and Invites Kids to Help Fuel a New Mobile Adoption Van

ARF is excited to welcome children and families back for another summer of LemonARF, the organization’s beloved kid powered fundraiser that helps homeless cats and dogs in need.

LemonARF is just like a traditional lemonade stand, but with a lifesaving twist. Kids throughout the Hamptons and beyond set up lemonade stands in their neighborhoods and donate the proceeds to ARF Hamptons to help care for the more than 1,000 animals that come through the ARF Adoption Center each year.

This year, LemonARF participants are taking on a very special mission. ARF Hamptons is asking kids to help “Fuel Our Mission” by raising money for a brand-new Mobile Adoption Van.

For the past 14 years, ARF’s current Mobile Adoption Unit has traveled across the Hamptons, Long Island, and surrounding communities helping thousands of rescue dogs and cats attend adoption events and find loving homes. After more than a decade on the road, the vehicle is showing significant wear and tear and is spending more time in the repair shop than at community events.

With the support of LemonARF kids and the community, ARF hopes to purchase a new and improved Mobile Adoption Van that will safely transport animals, expand outreach efforts, and help even more pets get seen, loved, and adopted.

ARF has already secured the first $200,000 toward the project and is now working to raise the remaining $200,000 needed to put a new van on the road.

Every LemonARF participant receives a special fundraising kit filled with everything needed to host a successful stand, including homemade lemonade and cookie recipes, customizable menus, cups, ARF stickers and tattoos, donation mini bank, and more.

Most importantly, LemonARF is all about kids having fun while making a real difference for rescue animals. Participants are encouraged to get creative by selling homemade treats, artwork, jewelry, and other items at their stands. Every child who participates and brings their donation to ARF will also be featured on ARF Hamptons social media.

“LemonARF gives children the opportunity to become part of the ARF family while learning the importance of kindness, compassion, and giving back,” said Kimberly Nichols, Executive Director and CEO of ARF Hamptons. “This year, every cup of lemonade sold will help keep our rescue mission moving forward.”

Together, this summer’s LemonARF participants can help keep ARF on the road and continue bringing rescue animals one step closer to forever homes.

Free starter kits are available at the ARF Adoption Center in East Hampton.

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Photo: LemonARF stand at Amagansett Square, May 2025. Photo by Kimberly Picone.

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