Cape Coral teen drives kindness forward in 50 yard lawn mowing challenge

In between the streets and canals that call Cape Coral home, no neighborhood lawn is safe from 18-year-old Braylon Beckers. A month ago, when Braylon started cutting lawns for neighbors, he decided to offer an unbeatable price. "They were like, what?! For free?!" said Braylon. So far, Braylon's mowed over 50 lawns, free of charge. While profits are low, the feeling of giving back is high. "They're really thankful and appreciative," said Braylon. "It's just awesome to see." Like most acts of kindness, Braylon's are inspired by a mentor who came before him. Rodney Smith Junior is the owner of "Raising Men and Women Lawn Care." He cuts lawns for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, for free. "I was leaving school one day, and I came across an elderly man outside mowing his lawn," said Rodney. "It looked like he was struggling, so I did what anyone would do: I pulled over and helped him out. Little did I know that one small act of kindness would vastly change my life forever." In 2016, Rodney started "the 50-yard challenge." A call to action for kids to cut 50 yards for free in their communities. "It started off small, and then it eventually grew," said Rodney. "Once COVID-19 hit, that's when we saw a big explosion of kids signing up." Today, over 6,000 kids and teens, like Braylon, have participated across the country. "A lot of the people we help are on fixed income, especially the elderly, the disabled, and the veterans," said Rodney. "The kids get a sense of pride in knowing they're giving back and they're gaining character." What started as one neighbor helping another has grown into a movement, and, for Braylon, mowing lawns is bigger than starting his business. "Never let your thoughts bring you down," said Braylon. It's determination to move kindness forward one cut at a time. "Never let your brain tell you that you can't do this because you can. You can achieve," said Braylon. You can learn more about Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service on its website here. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.