Utica, NY – This morning, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon welcomed the family of Olivia Rose Sacco for a heartfelt community event outside the Utica State Office Building, where her district office is located. The Assemblywoman played a key role in helping bring Olivia’s Lemonade Stand to this central location, providing a meaningful space to honor the life of a remarkable young girl whose spirit, compassion, and joy left a lasting imprint on the Mohawk Valley and beyond.

The event, titled Olivia’s Lemonade Stand, raised funds for the Olivia Rose Sacco Memorial Scholarship Fund, ensuring that Olivia’s love for learning and her generous heart will continue to uplift students for generations to come.

Community members gathered as Olivia’s parents, younger brother, and extended family poured cups of lemonade, just as Olivia loved to do during the summers with her cousins, raising money for local animal shelters. It was a simple yet powerful way to celebrate the life of a girl who, in just ten years, inspired love, laughter, and connection throughout her school, her neighborhood, and her community.

“It was an honor to be part of this event and to celebrate the light Olivia brought to all of us,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Her smile was contagious, her spirit was bright, and her heart was one of kindness and service. I am so proud to support this effort and help ensure her memory lives on through the opportunities we can now give to others.”

Born in 2013, Olivia was a fifth-grade student at Deerfield Elementary School. Her teachers remember her as intelligent, artistic, and endlessly kind. She loved school so much that she cried at the start of summer vacation. She played clarinet in the school and district bands, took art classes at Munson Williams, sang in the chorus, and eagerly participated in science experiments. She was a Girl Scout, a chalk artist, a soccer goalie, and a loving sister and cousin whose giggle could light up a room.

One of her favorite summer traditions was setting up a lemonade stand at the end of her driveway with her brother and cousins. There, they would raise money for causes close to Olivia’s heart. Today’s event mirrored that tradition; but on a larger scale, surrounded by the community she loved and inspired.

Senator Joseph Griffo shared: “Olivia was able to spread kindness, happiness and love wherever she went and was an inspiration to many in Deerfield and the surrounding region. I commend Olivia's family, friends and her school district and community for continuing her legacy of goodwill, giving back and paying it forward and for supporting area students in her memory.”

The crowd was a testament to the lives Olivia touched. Community members, elected officials, first responders, family, and friends all came together to “Love Like Olivia,” a phrase now etched in the hearts of those who knew her and those who wish they had.

The Sacco family continues to honor Olivia’s life through love, action, and the power of community. Her story is one of joy, generosity, and enduring light, and through this event, her spirit lives on in every student who will be supported through her scholarship.