Good Morning America teamed up with Honey Bunches of Oats to recognize and honor 13-year-old Phoenix Brown of Chesapeake, Virginia, during its “GMA Gives Back” segment. Brown initially set out to build a computer with some of his friends, however, his determination led him to a more accommodating path.
“At one point it was basketball, at another point it was wanting to build a computer, another point it was other things,” Brown’s father, Sheldon, told Good Morning America.
The Virginia Virtual Academy student said his dad then told him about the 50-yard challenge, and he decided to give it a try.
“Anybody, any age, just have some fun, see what we can do," Brown said back in September as he emphasized the joys of lawn care, according to WAVY. "Even if it’s not 500 — 100, 200, 300 — I just want to cut some grass, that’s all."
That 50-yard challenge was started by Rodney Smith, the founder of the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service. The challenge welcomes participation from boys and girls ages 7 to 17, and its mission is for each person to provide free lawn care for 50 yards.
Brown ultimately took on the challenge and began providing lawn service for disabled people, the elderly, veterans and single parents for no charge, WAVY reports.
“He’s such a determined young man,” Smith said of Brown in an interview with GMA. “Phoenix is my hero and just like all the other kids in the program, they are my heroes because they're leading the way and they’re encouraging America to make a difference in their communities.”
Brown’s mother, Joyce, told GMA that their family was “very proud of him."
"Initially I thought, ‘Wow, it’s going to be hot outside and it’s 50 yards that we have to cut. How are we going to make this possible,” she said as she complimented her teen son.
Good Morning America anchor Rob Marciano surprised Brown with a $10,000 prize to aid in his potential interests and prospective projects.
“I’m going to put this [prize] towards my college fund, and some community efforts,” Brown said. “I appreciate everybody.”
