In the heart of Alabama, two young boys, Ja’Torrian Taylor and Tevin Rice, founders of TJ & JT Mowing Service, took on a challenge that would change their lives.
They took on the 50 Yard Challenge.
Rodney Smith Jr., affectionately known as “The Lawnmower Man,” had set forth the 50 Yard Challenge to encourage kids to get involved in their communities.
The challenge urges youngsters to mow 50 lawns for those who otherwise can’t—like the elderly, veterans, and those with disabilities—all for free.
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“I’m heading down to Gadsden right now. These are good, hard-working kids that deserve some gratitude,” Smith shared with KMBC.
He heard the duo was making do with a single, old lawnmower from a kind neighbor.
But their dedication and hard work didn’t go unnoticed.
Upon meeting them, Smith surprised Taylor and Rice with brand new mowing equipment: a mower, a blower, and a trimmer.
His hope? That they’d use these tools to grow their budding business.
“Giving these boys lawn equipment is teaching them discipline,” Smith emphasized, “If they promise to mow a lawn, they need to keep that promise.”
Smith’s words of encouragement didn’t stop there.
“Remember, this is not the end; it’s just the beginning,” he told the boys, hinting at the potential success of their lawn service.
Rodney’s journey began in 2015 when he helped a 93-year-old woman with her lawn.
The heartwarming photo of the two quickly went viral, garnering over a million likes.
A year later, he was featured on Upworthy for his ambitious goal: mowing lawns for free in all 50 states.
His mission was clear—to offer free lawn care to the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and veterans who lacked the means to maintain their yards.
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Stemming from this mission, the 50 Yard Challenge was born.
And its impact? Staggering.
As of May 2023, a whopping 4,588 pre-teens and teens have taken up the challenge across the U.S.
If each of them completes it, that’s a total of 229,400 lawns mowed for free, all under Smith’s initiative, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service.
The challenge is simple yet rewarding.
Kids and teens pledge their commitment by sending a photo with a sign saying, “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge.”
In return, they get a white Raising Men/Women shirt, shades, and ear protection to kickstart their journey.
As they progress, they earn shirts of different colors for every 10 lawns mowed.
And the ultimate prize? Just like Taylor and Rice, they receive a mower, blower, and trimmer upon completing the challenge.
Smith’s story is a window into the ripple effect of kindness.
One good deed can inspire countless others, teaching young minds the importance of giving back, self-discipline, and nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit.
To learn more about Smith’s nonprofit or to make a donation, visit Weareraisingmen.com.
Learn more about the Lawnmower Man’s gift to these amazing young men in the video below!
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