Photo courtesy of GMA.
Good Morning America rewarded 13-year-old Phoenix Brown for mowing the lawns of elderly and disabled people in his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. Brown was surprised with a check for $10,000 on Dec. 27.
Brown first began mowing lawns for the disabled, elderly and veterans after hearing about the 50-yard challenge in 2020. The mission of the 50-yard challenge was for each participant to provide lawn service for the yards of 50 people.
Founder of the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, Rodney Smith, began the challenge for children between the ages of 7 to 17. Smith was with Brown as he received his reward from Good Morning America and Honey Bunches of Oats.
Smith also rewarded Brown for mowing 50 lawns and provided him with a brand new mower, leaf blower and weed wacker.
His father, Sheldon Brown, said that Brown had intended to build a computer with friends last summer but decided to complete the 50-yard-challenge.
Brown will use the money he received to attend college and help the community.
“I’m going to put this [prize] towards my college fund, and some community efforts,” Brown said. “I appreciate everybody.”
The cheerful teen noted that some people insisted on tipping him, so he used the tip money he earned to feed homeless people in Norfolk.
“I bought some pizzas from Little Caesars, some chips and water and gave it out out there,” said Browne of his good deed.
His proud mother, Joycelene Tetteh, told WAVY news that the 50-yard challenge helped her son learn life skills.
“This program really has helped him to build confidence,” she said. “I think it has helped with his communication skills, his ability to network; all of those things matter in life.”
Last summer, Brown also volunteered at his old elementary school by taking photographs and mentoring younger kids.