Bobcat’s always looking for ways create a sense of community and drive dealer traffic, from little ballfields to Chip Gaines transformation. But it might be the grassroots “backyard makeover” program that best combines all the elements of its outreach program. Last summer, Bobcat Company announced that Julie Rummer from Turlock, California, had won the contest, which awarded her a $25,000 backyard makeover using Bobcat equipment. Local dealer Bobcat Central, Inc. (https://www.bobcatcentral.com) as well as area contractors and friends and family pitched in to make Julie’s dreams become a reality.
Rummer survived a car crash in 1995 that left her paralyzed as a quadriplegic and dependent on a power wheelchair. An avid gardener, Rummer loved to spend time in her backyard, but navigating loose, dusty soil and thorny vegetation in her backyard became a challenge. She described the yard as an “eyesore, a big disaster” and an “embarrassment.” Winning the contest has completely transformed her backyard into a wheelchair-accessible “paradise,” according to Rummer’s husband Rich.
“I just feel happy; it’s a happy place to be,” she said about her new backyard. “I can’t even shut the curtains at night, the backyard is so beautiful. Having complete access to nature and my garden is freedom. I appreciate everyone’s vote and everybody who picked up a shovel or lent a hand clearing, shredding, spreading,” Rummer said. “Every day can be a challenge for me, but the kindness, love and support from everyone during this process just fills my heart. So, thank you, Bobcat, for empowering me and making my backyard dream come true.”
“The team at Bobcat is thrilled that we could help Julie achieve her dream of a wheelchair-accessible backyard with room to garden, entertain and get away,” added Laura Ness Owens, Doosan Bobcat VP of Brand & Marketing. “Bobcat exists to empower people to accomplish more, and this is a perfect example of doing just that. We hope others are inspired by this transformation and recognize the potential in their own outdoor spaces.”
