CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – Chesapeake Mayor Rick West presented an award on Tuesday to the two children who turned lemons into lemonade after their money jar was stolen while they were selling lemonade over the summer.
10-year-old Rebecca Caldwell and 8-year-old Joshua Caldwell were recognized on Tuesday for their “determination and hard work,” with West saying they turned a sour situation into something sweet.
Photos from the event can be found below:
Recently, 19-year-old Esteban Santillan confessed to officers that he stole the $40 from the Caldwell’s lemonade stand. Santillan currently faces a felony charge of stealing U.S. currency valued at $5 or more from a person.
The two children were able to raise $6,200 after receiving an outpouring of support from the community. Both said they plan to use the funds to support their sister’s missions trip, as well as getting a four-wheeler for Rebecca and a dirt bike for Josh.
Santillan’s next court date is set for Oct. 8.