Local youth participates in the “50 Yard Challenge” by mowing lawns for first responders without charge

Fargo, North Dakota – In light of last Friday’s sad shooting, many of you have been contacting us to ask how you can support our law enforcement and first responders.

There are numerous methods to go about it. Lend A Hand Up matching donations, GoFundMe accounts set up for those affected, and other legitimate fundraisers are all excellent methods to give and show support.

One young guy from Fargo is using his unique skills to assist reduce some of the daily stress experienced by those who defend us. Twelve-year-old Alex Lattergrass mows for a good cause. It’s a personal one for him and his family.

Since our last conversation with Alex about his lawn care business, Alex’s Mowing Co., he has been quite busy.

“I’m starting this ‘50 Yard Challenge’. It’s pretty exciting. I’m still mowing lawns, picking weeds, having a good time,” he says.

As part of the “50 Yard Challenge,” Alex is cutting the grass for free for first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Veterans and members of the active military can participate in the challenge. Alex was tending to his first lawn of his commitment when we followed him around today. He claims that he had already planned to do it.

“Now, after recent events that have happened with police officers and stuff, I want to help law enforcement and first responders,” he says.

“I think it’s a really powerful way for him to utilize his skills to give back to the community,” says Alex’s mother Daniella Ramirez-Thiedeman.

Alex says he wants to make sure those who take care of us are taken care of. “They’re kind of focused on other issues right now. They might not have time to take care of their lawn or take care of their weeds. That’s something I can do for them,” says the 12-year-old.

Some of the people that occupy a particular place in Alex and Daniella’s hearts include law enforcement and first responders.

“We have a LEO family. That’s a law enforcement officer family,” says Alex.
The father of Alex, his baby sister, and Daniella’s husband works for the Fargo Police Department.

“I love knowing he’s going to work everyday making a difference. I love the sense of pride he has in himself as well,” says Daniella. “I look at my husband like a hero,” she adds.

“Yes, I do believe he is a hero,” says Alex.

To all of us, our first responders are heroes.

“Being able to see all the profile pictures be changed, support coming from the community on social media, it may seem so small. But it’s moments when the world feels like it’s crashing down on you and you see these little glimpses of light and people do care and support you,” says Daniella.