RODNEY SMITH, JR. COMPLETES HIS 50 STATES 50 LAWNS TOUR
Alabama man drives across the U.S. mowing lawns for free; inspires youth to give back
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (July 19, 2018) – Briggs & Stratton Corporation congratulates Raising Men Lawn Care Service (RMLCS) Founder Rodney Smith, Jr., as he completes his second 50 States, 50 Lawns Tour.
Since May 17, Rodney has driven across the U.S., mowing nearly 130 lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents and military veterans for free. For the second year, Briggs & Stratton provided him with a financial contribution to cover expenses, as well as all the outdoor power equipment needed for the trip.
The purpose of Rodney’s tour was to raise awareness for RMLCS and its mission to keep youth on a positive path through community service, providing free lawn care for those in need. To date, Rodney has inspired 210 youths to accept his 50 Yard Challenge by committing to mowing 50 lawns within their communities, and that number continues to grow as Rodney generates more and more national media attention.
“Briggs & Stratton has been a proud supporter of Rodney’s efforts since 2016, as he and RMLCS are the essence of what the Company’s brand—You.Powered.™—stands for,” said Rick Carpenter, Vice President Corporate Marketing at Briggs & Stratton. “Briggs & Stratton’s mission is to make work easier and improve lives. We do that through the products we create; Rodney does that through the work he and RMLCS do in their communities to help those in need.”
Rodney started his tour in Milwaukee, and to show support of his efforts beyond monetary and equipment donations, Briggs & Stratton employees proudly accepted the challenge, mowing 110 lawns in one afternoon for those in need in honor of the Company’s 110th anniversary. To have a deeper impact, Briggs & Stratton also awarded a season of free lawn care to a local family in need. Each week, teams of employees leave the office to mow, blow and trim, easing the burden of this maintenance for a homeowner who is a low income, single parent with both her disabled sister and child in the home, and isn’t able to easily complete the work herself.
“It’s been an incredible two months. I’ve met so many deserving people and heard so many stories that reaffirm why I’ve been called toward this path in life,” says Smith. “I’d like to thank Briggs & Stratton for believing in me from the beginning and supporting my efforts. May 17 was a great day in Milwaukee!”
For more information about Smith’s tour, visit 50states50lawns.com. To learn more about RMLCS, visit WeAreRaisingMen.com.
Media Contact:
Rick Carpenter
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
414-259-5916
carpenter.rick@basco.com
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.
About Raising Men Lawn Care Service:
Raising Men Lawn Care Service is the union of a yard maintenance service and program to inspire young men and women to choose a positive path for their lives as they learn their value in society. The goal is to instill the importance of giving back to their communities by providing free lawn care for the elderly, disabled, single mothers and military veterans. Visit WeAreRaisingMen.com for more information.
