Preteen Boy Embarks On '50 Yard Challenge' To Mow Emergency Workers' Lawns For Free

Jul 28, 2023

The importance of giving back cannot be overemphasized, and when people take it upon themselves to reach out to those in need, it is nothing short of inspiring. Giving back can come in different creative ways, and for 12-year-old Alex Lattergrass from Fargo, North Dakota, it was all about the act of service. 

Alex made it to the news in July 2023 when he took up the task of giving back to first responders, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, veterans, and the families of army officers. The youngster made a pact to mow the lawns of the above-listed individuals in a 50-yard challenge.

According to the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service website, the challenge is focused on voluntary participation and calls on children between the ages of 8 and 17 to help individuals with needs. The goal is to mow the lawns of the "elderly, disabled, single parents, & anyone in need" free of charge. To sign up for the challenge, volunteers are asked to take photos of themselves with written signs stating, "I accept the 50 Yard Challenge." 

Participants are to mow 50 lawns, counting every ten lawns as milestones. After every ten yards are cut, the volunteers are rewarded with the Raising Men/Women souvenir shirt. In the beginning, the volunteers are given white shirts to signify the start of their task, and as the challenge intensifies, the organization rewards them with other colorful shirts. 

Alex, who runs a mowing company called Alex Mowin Co., decided to focus on helping first responders with his skill set. Speaking to Valley News Live, Alex revealed that taking up such a responsibility was exciting. He stated, "I'm still mowing lawns, picking weeds, having a good time."

The news outlet caught up with Alex while he was working on his first task of the day. The young boy revealed that he chose to help law enforcement officers and emergency personnel groom their lawns "after recent events that have happened with police officers and stuff…" Sharing her opinion about her son's initiative, Alex's proud mom, Daniella Ramirez-Thiedeman, noted:

"I think it's a really powerful way for him to utilize his skills to give back to the community."

Alex relayed that he just wanted to take care of those dedicated to caring for others in society. He mentioned that "they're kind of focused on other issues right now," and this meant they might not have time to take care of their lawns. To pay them back for the good work, Alex volunteered to help maintain their lawns. 

Law enforcement agents and emergency workers are special in Alex and his mom's hearts. This is because they have family members working in that sector. Alex mentioned, "We have a LEO family. That's a law enforcement officer family." The young entrepreneur's dad works as an officer of the Fargo Police Department. 

Ramirez-Thiedeman gushed over her husband, noting that she loved knowing "he's going to work every day making a difference. "I love the sense of pride he has in himself as well. I look at my husband like a hero," the mom-of-two added. Alex also chipped in that he believed his father was a hero. 

Alex's mom stated that the support from their community was impressive. She added that although it may seem small, those "little glimpses of light" and support show that there were people who cared. 

Isn't it heartwarming that Alex could give back to essential workers in his own way? How would you choose to give back to society? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to others.