A twelve-year-old from Chesapeake spent the summer mowing lawns for free and used tips to do another act of kindness.
The 50-yard challenge
This past summer, Phoenix Browne took on the scorching heat and humidity so he can mow 50 lawns without getting paid for it. Browne mowed lawns of single parents, elderly, disabled, veterans, and other homeowners in need. He did all that to fulfill a commitment to the 50-yard challenge - a national challenge organized by Raising Men Lawn Care Services.
The year-round challenge encourages the youth to give back to their community by providing free lawn care services to people in need. For the fall, the challenge for the boys and girls will shift to raking leaves and then shoveling snow in winter., Our Community Now noted.
Browne has been mowing lawns in his neighborhood, Great Bridge, for a fee. And so when his father, Sheldon, learned about the challenge, he thought that it would be a great way to "build some clientele," the Virginia Pilot report said. They then contacted Raising Men Lawn Care Services, and after he was provided with 50 Yard Challenge t-shirt, earplugs, and safety glasses, he began taking on the challenge last July.
There were days he felt he didn't want to go, but still, he did
With the help of his dad, Browne went from yard to yard, cutting 50 lawns throughout Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach and completing the challenge by August. Speaking to 10 Wavy, Browne said that they would wake up around 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. - depending on the number of lawns they have on the schedule for the day.
There were days that he would do six, but some days, he felt like he didn't want to go, but he did go and "knock it out" anyway. While it wasn't easy, he said that it was fun doing it and that he would like to do it again.
One good deed after another
During the three weeks that he had been mowing lawns for the community, many of the homeowners insisted on giving him tips. He then used the tips to buy pizza and water. They then set up in different locations to distribute the food to those in need.
August 22nd, I was in Chesapeake,VA presenting Phoenix his brand new mower,weedeater & blower for completing our 50 yard challenge .Yesterday he was presented an award from the mayor of Chesapeake & the cityCouncil .Mom & dad you rock !Phoenix we are proud of you! pic.twitter.com/Th2JjxDCs8 — Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) October 15, 2020
His efforts didn't go unnoticed, though. First, the organization rewarded him with a brand new lawnmower, weed eater, and leaf blower for completing the challenge. He said he loves the new mower as it was smoother and very light. But, he adds, the real reward was the experience. To meet more people, see old faces and familiar people, was really fun, he said.
On October 13, he was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Community Service by the mayor of Chesapeake, Rick West, and the City Council. Describing how he felt learning that he will be given an award and will mee the mayor, he said he was so happy. He jumped out of his chair, screaming, he recalled.
