Meet Jess Obert | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Obert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, how does your business help the community?
Our nonprofit organization, Payton’s Lemonade Stand, aims to sweeten the lives of kids facing medical, personal and economic hardships. Whether that’s providing brand new coats to keep kids experiencing homelessness warm in the cold months or providing brand new swim suits to local public swim clubs so children can join their peers without feeling ashamed. We help so many kids in so many different ways all year round.

We’re making an even bigger impact via our Community Serving Kids program where we’re able to donate items in bulk to local nonprofits whose mission aligns with ours. Items include things like personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, batteries, toys, etc. We’re on track to deliver over 2 million dollars worth of items in fiscal year 2023. Local food pantries, underfunded schools and foster care agencies are a few who benefit from this wonderful program.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With Payton’s Lemonade Stand, it’s more than just raising money for kids facing hardships. It’s empowering our next generation of philanthropists. In just five short years, Payton has inspired thousands of kids to participate in philanthropy and experience the true joy in giving back. Hundreds now host their own lemonade stands every year with proceeds going towards Payton’s Lemonade Stand. That’s what makes me most proud. Seeing these kids come together to make a difference for their peers who are facing hardships they may never experience. It’s kids serving kids and it doesn’t get sweeter than that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely make stops at the zoo and downtown to Smale Park! Two favorites of ours!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A CEO of a local nonprofit heard us on B-105 one morning and reached out to make a donation. We didn’t know it at the time, but it was the start of a beautiful relationship where he provides guidance and mentorship to me and has propelled Payton’s Lemonade Stand to new heights.

Website: paytonslemonadestand.org

Instagram: @paytonslemonadestand

Twitter: @paytonslemonade

Facebook: Paytonslemonadestand

Image Credits
Loft 3 Photography