Lawrence County boy accepts 100-yard challenge
By Lilly Adkins
BSN Associate Editor
LOUISA — A Lawrence County boy with special needs who accepted and completed a national challenge last year to cut 50 yards during the summer to win a new lawn mower, weed eater and leaf blower has accepted an even bigger challenge this year.
Christopher Osborne’s mother, Marlena Osborne, said on Facebook Saturday that her son will double the number of yards this year.
“Well friends, Christopher has decided to do it again this year,” she wrote. “He has accepted the 100 yard challenge this year. He wants to mow 50 more yards this year for the elderly, disabled, veterans or single parents. He’s gonna’ get an earlier start this year, shoveling snow, mowing and raking leaves all count as part of the challenge.”
Last year, his mother said that they have to submit pictures of before, during and after the work is completed.
The challenge by Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17. Those accepting the challenge send a photo of them holding a sign saying, “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge or in this case, I accept the 100 yard challenge.”
In return, the company will send them a white shirt along with shades and ear protection to get them started. Each time they complete 10 lawns, that get a new color shirt, including orange for 10 lawns, green for 20, blue for 30, red for 40 and black for 50.
After the participant completes 50 lawns, they will also receive a new lawn mower, weed eater and blower.
Marlena Osborne said for those interested in some free assistance with their lawn, they can call their home at (606) 686-2250, or their cell at (606) 939-0493 or text the cell. They can also contact them on their Facebook account, Jesseandmarlenaosborne.
Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service owner Rodney Smith Jr., of Huntsville, Ala., brought the new lawn equipment to Christopher Osborne and presented it to him along with a T-shirt in August 2022.
Smith also presented him with a certificate that had a quote from Muhammad Ali, which said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Smith responded to the announcement that Osborne would once again be taking up the challenge.
“Just got word that Christopher of Louisa, Ky. Who completed our 50 last summer is running it back. He has selected one of our special challenges for kids that finish the first 50,” Smith said. “He’s doing 50 more free for the elderly, disabled, single parents and veterans.”