Tech millionaire coming to B.R. to promote Lemonade Day

Michael Holthouse, a Houston entrepreneur and philanthropist, will be in Baton Rouge Monday to kick off preparations for Lemonade Day, an annual event meant to help children learn business and life skills. In 1997, Holthouse sold computer network services firm Paranet Inc. to Sprint for $375 million in cash, according to the Houston Business Journal. He has since founded Prepared 4 Life, which “prepares middle school youth for life through fun, proactive and experiential after-school programs infused with life skills, character education and entrepreneurship.” The nonprofit’s Lemonade Day, to be held nationwide May 12, is meant to teach children how to start, own and operate a business using a lemonade stand. Students must register with an adult. Local organizers, who hope to reach 4,000 young people, are seeking support from schools, youth organizations and local businesses. The kick-off event will be held Monday, 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at Zolia Bistro/Enoteca inside II City Plaza; businesses or nonprofits interested in partnering with Lemonade Day are invited. Baton Rouge is one of at least 41 cities hosting Lemonade Day events, according to a list posted at lemonadeday.org.