Rodney Smith
Raising Men Lawn Care Service
Written by Nina E. Woody
Photos by Steve Babin
Five years ago, Rodney Smith had an epiphany. While a senior at Alabama A&M University studying Computer Science, Mr. Smith saw an elderly man struggling to cut his grass. He immediately knew he had to do something to help. That was the genesis of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, a foundation that Mr. Smith started shortly afterwards. His vision was multi-purpose; to provide free lawn care to those in need while teaching compassion and responsibility to the boys and girls who volunteer and provide those services.
One of the hallmark features of the organization is its successful 50-yard challenge. It is open to boys and girls from 7 to 17 years old, who pledge to take care of 50 yards for free for the elderly, the disabled, single parents, veterans, or anyone else unable to do it themselves.
Much of this program’s success is through the efforts of social media. The “Raising Men Lawn Care Service Huntsville” Facebook page includes dozens of posts with photos of smiling young boys and girls participating in the 50-yard challenge. The photos range from kids holding signs stating, “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge!” to others proudly declaring that they had completed it – 50 yards mowed!
“Currently, there 1,206 kids across the nation taking part in the 50-yard challenge,” Mr. Smith said. “So far, every state has been represented, and it has even spread to a few countries.”
When a child first accepts the challenge, he or she receives a white Raising Men or Raising Women T-shirt along with safety glasses and ear protection to get started. For every 10 lawns cut, a new shirt of a different color is sent to the child. A black T-shirt represents the ultimate achievement of 50 lawns!
The program is not limited to the warm grass growing season though. Raking leaves during the autumn and shoveling snow during the winter are also worthy tasks that count towards the 50-yard challenge.
Fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has not affected the service’s mission. “We’re still mowing,” Mr. Smith said. “In fact, we have grown because of the pandemic. There has been an uptick in kids from all over signing up for the 50-yard challenge.”
The Raising Men Lawn Care Service has certainly reached a wide audience. Not only has it been spotlighted autumn and shoveling snow during the winter are also worthy tasks that count towards the 50-yard challenge.
Fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has not affected the service’s mission. “We’re still mowing,” Mr. Smith said. “In fact, we have grown because of the pandemic. There has been an uptick in kids from all over signing up for the 50-yard challenge.”
The Raising Men Lawn Care Service has certainly reached a wide audience. Not only has it been spotlighted
