Every now and then you hear a story about a young person who takes it upon themselves to do something extraordinary; Joshua Smith is one of those young people.

Smith lives in Detroit, a city which is rapidly deteriorating as its financial problems cause layoffs and the closing of several businesses and services. Joshua’s neighborhood, in Russell Woods, is one of many affected by the Motor City’s problems, and when he set up a lemonade stand in front of his house, his goal was to raise $1,000 to benefit not only the city, but a local park and playground.

He set up the stand on Monday, selling water for $1.00, lemonade for $1.50, and popcorn in various sizes and price points. By Friday, he had raised $3,340.

Perhaps it was the video he made that garnered so much support, because how could you listen to those pleas and not be moved?

“Will you please help support our sale? This money is going to the mayor of Detroit, and it will also go to help people cut grass and pick up trash. Please help us,” he says.

Not only did Joshua far surpass his original goal, he also earned himself an Outstanding Achievement award from the Detroit City Council and a $2,000 college scholarship from the Rosa L. Parks Foundation. This kid’s going places, folks. Remember that name.