Jack & Eric's Pirate Lemonade Stand Honored for 'Toys for Tots' Donations

It was a night of inspiration at the Dedham Board of Selectmen meeting on Thursday. 

In addition to honoring three teens who recently helped a citizen in distress, the board also recognized and honored the generous work of Jack & Eric's Pirate Lemonade Stand, run by Jack & Eric Linari, who recently donated proceeds from their sales to Dedham Toys for Tots.

"They raised almost $1,000 to donate to the program, which was extremely helpful," said Michael Humphrey, who coordinates the annual drive with Selectmen Sarah MacDonald.

The two youths have run their Pirate Lemonade Stand in Dedham since 2008, selling homemade drinks at the Dedham Farmers Market and donating all proceeds to a local charity of their choosing each year.

Jake and Eric have also donated their proceeds to Friends in Need and the Martin Richard Memorial Fund at Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS).

"It was huge for us to know you guys were helping us," MacDonald said. "It's not just Jack and Eric anymore. They're much taller, and they've cultivated a little band of helper pirates."

Selectmen Paul Reynolds echoed the notion, thanking the two for their efforts.

"There aren't enough words to describe the appreciation we have for the things that you do and the good work that you inspire," he said. "You stuck with it, and that gift of resilience and stick-to-it-ness, that's a gift you're both going to take with you. You're inspiring a legion of other kids to put your Gameboys down and stop watching TV and contribute your gifts and talents."

Both Jack and Eric received honorary plaques for their deeds. To learn more about their efforts, visit the Jack & Eric's Pirate Lemonade Stand Facebook page and the boys' website.