Turning hot dogs into cold cash

Hot dogs and lemonade are a big part of summer as much as apple pie and baseball. With that in mind and with temperatures reaching in excess of 90-degrees, local children are using these summertime treats to raise money for the Lions Camp of Louisiana by putting on a hot dog sale that is set for Saturday on the grounds of the Jean Marie House across from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
The Lions Camp is open to qualified children who are disabled or who have diabetes and pulmonary disorders.
“It’s a free camp,” said John Travis Vidrine. “They don’t have to pay to go, so that’s why it’s always good to raise money for them.”
“It feels very good to be able to donate to a non-profit organization, and I think I will keep doing it,” said Vidrine’s son Noah, who is heading up the hot dog sale.
Noah got the idea for the hot dog stand after running a lemonade stand two years ago that raised $200.00.
“It started with he and I doing a lemonade stand for EPAR (Every Paw Animal Rescue) one time,” said Noah’s father John Travis. “It got bigger the next year and kept going.”
Noah’s mother Jessica added, “It started off to collect money for himself, then, halfway through, he decided to donate part of the money. Then, he ended up donating all of it.”
Noah said that they raised $200.00 that first year.
“Then they were so excited with that, and (Silas and Aaron Fontenot) wanted to join,” Jessica said. “That’s when they decided to do it for the Lion’s Club Camp.”
“I think it’s really special because we get to help a bunch of kids with things they need,” Silas said. “It’s very important because we want the kids to have as much as any other child would.”
The boys added selling hot dogs at the lemonade stand last year and made around $800.00. Last year also added a new partner to the business venture.
“Halfway through, (Aubrey Vidrine) came to get some lemonade and then started helping Noah.”
Aubrey, who John Travis called the Main Squeeze, said, “It’s very special because we can donate money for the kids, and it just makes me feel good.”
The hot dog sale this year will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include hot dogs, a bag of chips, and water or lemonade for $5.00. People who stop by the hot dog stand will also have an opportunity to walk through the Jean Marie House that was built in the 1800s.
All proceeds of the sale will go to support the Lions Camp, and the sale is possible because of generous donations from around the community, including Paul’s Meat Market who is making the chili.
“B&S Neighborhood Market donated all the packets of ketchup, mustard, and mayo,” John Travis said. “We had lots of donations, and I didn’t have to spend a dime.”
Jessica said, “The Burn Store donated the hot dogs, Darin Bordelon donated the buns, and Jamie Fontenot, that’s running for sheriff, donated $100.00.”
The hot dog stand’s business plan was promoted this year on the radio and has expanded its marketing on social media. “Facebook has been an extremely big help,” Jessica said.
She concluded, “We really hope that a lot of people will come out. Even if it’s not to donate or to buy, they can still come out and support the kids.”