Briggs and Stratton takes the 50-yard challenge

Inspired by Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service (RMLCS), Briggs & Stratton Corporation employees accepted his 50-yard challenge – and tackled it in a single afternoon.

On June 1, a team of Briggs & Stratton volunteers worked alongside Smith – who currently is touring the U.S. on his 50 States, 50 Lawns tour – to mow 50 lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents and military veterans in Milwaukee.

The event began at 11:30 a.m. at Briggs & Stratton’s headquarters, 12301 W. Wirth St., Wauwatosa. Smith met volunteers and joined them for lunch prior to mowing. Then, they headed out to spend the afternoon mowing lawns near the southwest Milwaukee home of an elderly woman Smith met while searching for one person in each state who needs help with lawn care.

The 50 States, 50 Lawns tour is Smith’s most ambitious effort to raise awareness for RMLCS and its mission to provide free lawn care to single mothers, military veterans, the elderly and disabled. During the tour, he’s inspiring people to take his 50-yard challenge. The challenge is simple: Mow 50 lawns, for free, for people who lack the resource or ability to do it themselves.

For the 50 States, 50 Lawns tour, Briggs & Stratton provided Rodney with a financial contribution to cover expenses, as well as all the outdoor power equipment needed for the trip.

“The impact Rodney, RMLCS and its volunteers have on a daily basis is staggering,” said Rick Carpenter, vice president of corporate marketing at Briggs & Stratton. “We wanted to do more than contribute equipment, we want to work alongside him in our hometown to help those who can’t care for their own lawns.”

Briggs & Stratton got to know Smith during the early days of RMLCS when the company shared his story worldwide as part of its You.Powered. initiative. The campaign showcases extraordinary people making positive change in their communities with the help of outdoor power equipment.

“Wisconsin is stop No. 23 on my tour, and we’re going to make it the biggest one yet,” Smith said. “Briggs & Stratton has believed in the RMLCS mission from the beginning; it’s not surprising to me they’ve accepted the 50-yard challenge and want to get out and make a difference.”

For more information about Smith’s tour, visit 50states50lawns.com.

To learn more about Smith and RMLS, visit WeAreRaisingMen.com. Or, connect with Smith on Facebook (Facebook.com/rjr.smith) and Instagram (@rodneysmithjr).

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