Many of us dreamed of starting our own business as kids. A little girl in Pasco County has done just that, but she’s not keeping any of the money.

This isn’t 8-year-old Sophia Contino’s first lemonade stand, but it’s one with a worthy cause. She drew pictures to attach to her stand, so people could see why she’s out there.

“It’s a picture of a dog wearing a bulletproof vest to let everybody know that’s what I’m going to do for it,” she said.

Sophia plans to raise $2,500, one cup at a time.

“What are we doing?” asked a customer.

“I’m raising money for the Pasco County Sheriff K9s,” replied Sophia.

She even created a Facebook page that has reached people all over the country.

“This guy from Atlanta gave me $250,” said Sophia.

Locally she’s selling lemonade for 50 cents a cup, but most people give a little extra.

“Like 20 and one and five,” said Sophia. “A lot more than 50 cents.”

You can say Sophia is a bit of a natural entrepreneur with a big heart that’s paying off.



“Good for you Sophia," a customer told her, giving her a high-five. "That’s a worthy cause.”

If you would like to help Sophia raise money for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office K9s, you can do so through her PayPal link on her Facebook page, as well as through Jefferson Bank Branches in the Tampa Bay Area.

