'Lemonade Kid' Raises Nearly $3,000 For City Parks

DETROIT (WWJ) - The 9-year-old boy who got national attention for his efforts to raise money to help out the financially strapped city of Detroit turned over nearly $3,000 to the Detroit City Council.

Joshua Smith, who has gained notoriety nationwide as the "lemonade kid," was officially recognized by council members on Tuesday for efforts to raise money for city parks.

"I don't know what to say … thanks!" said Joshua Smith.

His father, Flynn Smith, accompanied his son as the city took note of the young man's efforts.

"This is all the cash proceeds that we brought in …" said Flynn Smith.  "We raised, after all expenses and all that, $ 2,832.64, so we want to present that to the city of Detroit for parks and (recreation) …"

Joshua said he was "really upset" when he heard on the radio that the city was in crisis. He then came up with the plan to raise money by selling lemonade and popcorn from a stand outside his home.

The flyer for the stand read: "May you please help the City of Detroit. Please buy this popcorn and drinks. It's not so expensive. I didn't make it expensive so you would have to spend all your money. The money will help clean up trash on the ground and cut the grass in the parks."