Rodney Smith, Jr. can’t remember the name of the Netflix show that inspired him to use his joy of mowing to do something this audacious, he just remembers how it made him feel.
“It was a show that talked about acts of kindness for others around the world,” said Rodney, 31, from his home in Huntsville, Alabama, “and I just decided to go around and mow for those in need: the elderly, the disabled, single parents, military veterans and different causes. It just built from there.”
By “go around and mow,” Rodney’s not talking about his neighborhood or even his city. No, he’s talking about going around the entire country.
That’s right. Rodney has cut grass of all shapes and sizes in all 50 states. He’s done the nationwide tour nine times now. In 2021, he plans to go several more times, all to benefit various charitable organizations and anyone who doesn’t have the resources, time, or ability to care for their own lawns and rake leaves.
Why mowing and landscaping?
“It was a calling,” Rodney said. “I didn’t say that I was going to do this. I believe that God led me down this path.”
Along the way, Rodney visits with the people he’s helping to talk about the importance of lawn mower safety, to promote community service, and to do a lot of listening.
“I love hearing from veterans especially,” Rodney said. “Hearing their stories first-hand and getting to meet veterans from all different eras, that really stands out. I want to thank them for their service.”
Once he settles on a cause, Rodney loads up his mower – freshly painted with graphics and colors to support the cause, which he’ll auction off later – and heads out on the road in his SUV. The recipients of his free lawn cutting service are nominated, once word gets out that Rodney is off on yet another 50–state tour.
He isn’t doing it alone. In fact, through his organization, Raising Men Lawn Care Service, Rodney wants every kid in America to join him by taking on what he calls the “50 Yard Challenge.”
Boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, can sign up and commit to caring for lawns of 50 neighbors in need in their own communities. The children get different colored t-shirts with every ten yards they cut. And when they complete the challenge, Rodney gifts each of them with a free lawn mower, weed eater and blower.
“It’s something positive for them, a good outlet for them,” Rodney said, “a way of channeling their energy in a positive way, as well as helping those who need it the most.”
Since the program started in 2015, Rodney says 700 kids have mowed 15,000 lawns.
This is where the Joy of Mowing community can help. Rodney welcomes new power equipment and financial donations, as well as word-of-mouth marketing about his mission, which he plans to do full-time indefinitely.
“Spread the word and encourage more kids to join the program. That’s the big thing. We just want to get more kids involved as a way to give back to their community and meet their neighbors.”
To sign up for the 50 Yard Challenge or to nominate someone to have their lawn cared for, visit Rodney’s web site: https://weareraisingmen.com/50-yard-challenge/
