Squeeze the day!

Saturday saw the return of Lemonade Day in Dartmouth. The national program, which began in 2007, teaches kids how to start and manage their own businesses.

Along with being a tool to showcase what hard work can bring, other stands were used as a tool to help others.

“It’s about giving it back,” said Nick Daddona, who helped set up a stand outside the Southcoast Insurance Group building. “The most important thing is to teach [kids] to get involved in volunteering and helping others.”

Daddona noted that while he supplied the land for the stand, his five-year-old daughter Charlotte did the bulk of the work. 

The young entrepreneur said she greatly enjoyed the experience, especially making the summertime drinks.

“It was so fun!” she said. “And it tastes good.”

She was also assisted by 10-year-old Braxton Nevius, who said his favorite part of the day was spending time with friends and family.

Along with lemonade, the Route 6 site also sold candy, chips and burgers.

The group also added its own twist to its sales: all money raised would go directly to the Friends of Jack Foundation, a Mattapoisett-based charity that helps sick children in need of assistance and cheer.

Peter Cohenno, the foundation’s executive director, said he was thankful for the kids wanting to help their peers.

He said the bulk of the funds from Saturday's lemonade sales will go toward its teddy bear program, which provides stuffed animals to kids who are experiencing a situation that may be stressful or scary.

Foundation founder Jill Phearons was also on-site to draw some intrigue by dressing up in a bear costume  and waving signs along Route 6.

“This is what it’s all about,” she said. “We all have to play our part.”

Plus, she said, helping others should always be a good time.

“It’s a FUNraiser, not a fundraiser,” Phearons said with a smile.