On a sunny weekend in Fond du Lac, during the bustling member-guest golf tournament at South Hills Golf & Country Club, two young girls turned a simple backyard lemonade stand into a powerful tribute of love and generosity.

Olivia Schaeve and Lola Polacek, both Fond du Lac residents, hosted the stand in honor of Olivia’s grandmother, Susanne Stilwell, who passed away in December 2024.

“My mom was incredibly close to Olivia,” Rachel Schaeve, Olivia’s mother, shares. “As part of our grief journey, we’ve tried to keep her memory alive. The lemonade stand felt like a fun and meaningful way to do that.”

The girls, both age 9, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. “They considered themselves quite the mixologists,” Rachel laughs. “They loved adding extra flavors and chatting with the golfers. As the donations started piling up, they set a goal to raise $1,000 – and they did it!”

The fundraiser brought in $1,035, all of which was donated to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation to benefit SSM Health at Home Hospice, the care team who supported the Schaeve family during Susanne’s final weeks.

“When it became clear my mom wouldn’t recover, I reached out to SSM Health at Home Hospice,” Rachel recalls. “The weight lifted immediately. Kayla, her nurse, and Shiloh, her social worker, were compassionate, knowledgeable, and kind. Even the emergency line nurse on my mom’s last night was a source of strength.”

Thanks to the care provided by the hospice team, Susanne was able to pass with dignity, surrounded by love.

“To say we’re grateful is an understatement,” Rachel says. “This lemonade stand was more than just a fundraiser – it was a way for Olivia and Lola to give back to the people who helped us through the darkest time.” 

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation appreciates all donors who see the benefit of supporting the many services and programs offered by SSM Health. However, lemonade stands, like this example, not only provides a fun and educational experience but also help children develop a sense of responsibility and financial independence.

“By participating in a lemonade stand, children learn about budgeting, money management, and the importance of giving back to the community,” according to Mason Gravelle, Philanthropy Development Manager, Wisconsin Region, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation. “These experiences can lead to a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and charitable giving. Foundations often support organizations like Lemonade Day that help children learn these valuable lessons, ensuring that they carry these values into their later years. We truly appreciate Olivia honoring her grandmother, along with her friend, while helping other families receive vital hospice care for their loved ones.”

Olivia Schaeve (right) and Lola Polacek, both Fond du Lac residents, recently hosted a lemonade stand in honor of Olivia’s grandmother, Susanne Stilwell, who passed away in December 2024. The duo raised $1,035 which was donated to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation to benefit SSM Health at Home Hospice.