A Kansas influencer raised more than $793,000 to help an elderly disabled woman who was hit with a hefty fine by her town for not pruning her overgrown garden.
Spencer, a content creator known for his landscaping business SB Mowing, was contacted last summer by a town official familiar with his social media videos and asked if he could help repair the lawns of homeowners. He said he met Beth.
Beth, who uses a cane to get around the property, was warned that she would have to mow her yard or pay $240 to the city, which is not made clear in the video. It is said that the reason is to have the garden cut out for the purpose of the project.
“I spent a month trying to get someone to come and cut the grass. They wouldn't answer my calls,” Beth said in a video uploaded on January 10.
Beth said town officials had set a deadline to require the garden to be cut down before she faced financial loss.
Mr Spencer said the lawn surrounding Beth's small white house was unmaintained and “looking strange”.
“I'll take care of that,” Spencer assured her, offering her landscaping services for free.
“I can't believe it, that's amazing,” Beth replied.
Spencer remodeled the lawn by removing grass from cracks in the driveway, trimming bushes, removing trees, and mowing very tall grass.
“I cried the whole time just listening to your machine,” Beth told Spencer after the big announcement.
Spencer added that Beth is willing to help when she gets emotional.
“I really appreciate your work because it makes me shine. I can't say how much. There was no one else who was willing to help me,” she added.
In addition to the lawn problem, Mr. Spencer realizes he needs to make improvements to his home to accommodate Beth, who is “desperately in need of help.”
Spencer started a GoFundMe after realizing Beth's old stairs were causing walking problems and cracks in the driveway could cause Beth to fall.
The small business owner raised more than $500,000 in less than a day to “gain access and amenities” elsewhere on the property.
The money raised will help her with some of the projects she faces, such as building a new ramp outside to make it easier for her to get to the front door, a smooth driveway, and a chairlift to take her laundry up and down the stairs. Helps resolve accessibility issues.
The money will also pay a lawn care company to maintain Spencer's garden “for the next few years” since she lives far away.
An elderly homeowner was surprised when he received a life-changing donation.
“I can't even cry,” Beth said. “I can't even think.”
“I've never expected help before, ever, ever. I always help people until they drop,” Beth added.
“We'll be able to do a little more here than a driveway and ramp,” Spencer revealed.
Spencer is careful to make sure the funds raised don't fall into the wrong hands.
“I am also working with an attorney to set up a trust for her to ensure all funds are protected,” Spencer wrote in an update to her GoFundMe page. “I don't want anyone trying to take advantage of her and I want to make sure the funds are spent properly.”
