TOPEKA, Kan. -- In their continuing efforts to fight back against childhood cancer, the Kansas City community and its regional area will host their 8th annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand Grand Stand event from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday, June 1 & Saturday, June 2, 2012 at more than 30 Hy-vee locations throughout the region including locations in metro Kansas City, Lawrence, St. Joseph, Topeka and Manhattan.

A special appearance will be made by the Sporting KC Mascot, Blue, at the Misson Hy-Vee on Friday, June 1, from 4:30-6 pm.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand is the largest lemonade stand in the history of Kansas City. In 2001, after hearing about Alex’s efforts, Kansas Citian Jacob Mozer, a 7-year-old in remission from cancer, wanted to do the same. Jacob had his first lemonade stand that year at his neighborhood Hy-Vee store in Blue Springs, Mo.

Jacob’s effort expanded and now includes more than 600 volunteers participating in lemonade stands at all HyVee stores in greater Kansas City, St. Joseph, Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan. The regional effort has raised more than $600,000 for pediatric cancer research. It has funded grants at Children’s Mercy, The University of Kansas Medical Center and Stower’s Institute.

Kansas City’s support has been recognized by the national ALSF as one of the largest efforts in the country.

Pediatric cancer challenges our community. Each year, more than 12,500 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. This is the equivalent of two school classrooms each school day.

Stands will be held at the following Hy-Vee locations:

1307 E. North Ave.
Belton, MO 64012

7117 N. Prospect
Gladstone, MO 64119

601 W. 40 Highway
Blue Springs, MO 64014

1525 E. 23rd Street
Independence, MO 64055

4545 Noland Rd.
Independence, MO 64055

8301 N. St. Clair Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64151

207 NE Englewood Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64118

12200 State Line Rd.
Leawood, KS 66209

301 NE Rice Rd.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

310 SW Ward Rd.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

13400 W. 87th Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66215

1332 W. Highway 152
Liberty, MO 64068

6655 Martway
Mission, KS 66202

16100 W. 135th St.
Olathe, KS 66062

18101 W. 119th St.
Olathe, KS 66061

11552 W. 95th St.
Overland Park, KS 66214

8900 W. 135th St.
Overland Park, KS 66221

6801 W. 91st St.
Overland Park, KS 66212

7620 State Line Rd.
Prairie Village, KS 66208

9400 E. 350 Hwy.
Raytown, MO 64133

13550 W. 63rd St.
Shawnee, KS 66216

3504 Clinton Parkway
Lawrence, KS 66047

4000 W. 6th St.
Lawrence, KS 66049

201 North Belt Highway
St. Joseph, MO 64506

2951 Wanamaker Rd.
Topeka, KS 66614

601 Third Place
Manhattan, KS 66502