From Tulsa to the TEDx Stage: How Our Story of #KidsHelpingKids Reached a Global Audience

When Katie Eller Murray stepped onto the TEDx stage to share the story of The Lemon-Aid Project, she wasn't just telling the tale of one organization's journey. She was sharing proof of a powerful truth we've witnessed for over 30 years: kids have the capacity to change their neighborhoods, their cities, and even our world.

Why the TEDx Stage Matters for Our Mission

Katie's TEDx talk represents more than a milestone for our organization. It's validation of a model we've been refining for decades: that when you combine entrepreneurship with empathy, when you teach kids that they have agency to address the problems they see, something remarkable happens.
They don't just learn to be better fundraisers or more effective volunteers. They learn to see challenges as opportunities, to approach problems with creativity and determination, and to understand that their age doesn't disqualify them from making meaningful impact.

​The RESEARCH Behind #KidsHelpingKids

Did you know that if you meet someone who volunteers regularly as an adult, chances are they first experienced the power of giving back when they were young?

According to national data, 44 percent of American adults volunteer. Of those, two out of three started their service journey as children. Plus, kids who volunteer are more likely to feel confident, develop leadership skills, and even do better in school.

In fact, recent research found that volunteering youth were 66% more likely to be considered “flourishing” in terms of overall well-being.

Imagine that—selling lemonade could help you become a entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a leader! Not just in the future but RIGHT NOW.

Watch, Share, and Join the Movement

We invite you to watch Katie's full TEDx talk and share it with other parents, educators, and community leaders in your network. More importantly, we invite you to join us in proving that #KidsHelpingKids isn't just a feel-good hashtag – it's a proven model for developing the next generation of empathetic, effective leaders.
Watch Katie's TEDx Talk Here
Whether your family is ready to set up your first lemonade stand or you're an educator looking to integrate social entrepreneurship into your curriculum, we're here to support you. Because every child deserves to know that they have the power to make their community – and their world – a little bit better.