MILWAUKEE, July 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One man. One
mower. And 50-plus lawns cut in 50 states in less than 40 days.
Rodney Smith Jr., founder of
Raising Men Lawn Care Service (RMLCS), recently wrapped up his 50
States, 50 Lawns tour, during which he mowed a lawn in every state
to raise awareness for his organization that provides free lawn
care service to the elderly, disabled, single mothers and
veterans.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the world's largest maker of
lawn mower engines, made a financial donation and provided
equipment to ensure he had the resources needed to complete his
one-man mission. The company has been a supporter of RMLCS since it
started by featuring Smith in its You.Powered.™ initiative which
celebrates people making positive changes in their community with
the help of outdoor power equipment.
For Smith's Wisconsin stop, he spent two days at Briggs &
Stratton's global headquarters in Milwaukee. More than 50 employees showed their
support of RMLCS by joining Smith to mow 70-plus lawns in the
Milwaukee area – in one
afternoon.
"We're so proud of what Rodney's accomplished not just during
the 50 States, 50 Lawns tour but since launching RMLCS," said
Rick Carpenter, vice president
corporate marketing at Briggs & Stratton. "The work he's doing
not only gives back to people who need help, he's created a
movement that inspires youths to get outside and give back to their
communities."
Smith deemed the tour a success, as it led to more than a dozen
requests to start RMLCS chapters throughout the U.S., and inspired
35 youths to accept the 50-yard challenge. For the challenge,
youths have to mow 50 lawns for people unable to manage their own
lawn care. They're rewarded with different-colored T-shirts,
similar to belts in karate, and get a visit from Smith – and a new
lawn mower – if they complete all 50 lawns.
Some stats from Smith's tour include:
- 15,000 miles driven
- 53 lawns mowed
- 35 youths accepted the 50-yard challenge
- $6,000 raised for RMLCS
During the tour, Smith met hundreds of people who shared their
stories and provided him with support ranging from enjoying meals
together to donations. His story was told in dozens of media
outlets, ranging from People Magazine to the Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel.
"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spread the word
about RMLCS and our mission to help every person who can't manage
their own lawn care. I couldn't have done it without Briggs &
Stratton's contribution," Smith said. "Their support has made a
difference in the lives of so many people we helped during this
tour."
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:
Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG), headquartered in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is focused
on providing power to get work done and make people's lives better.
Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of gasoline
engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer,
manufacturer and marketer of power generation, pressure washers,
lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs
& Stratton®, Simplicity®,
Snapper®, Ferris®, Vanguard™,
Allmand®, Billy Goat®, Murray®,
Branco® and Victa® brands. Briggs &
Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced
in over 100 countries on six continents. For additional
information, please visit www.basco.com and
www.briggsandstratton.com.
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SOURCE Briggs & Stratton Corporation