September 3, 2023
Bobcat Co. Backyard Makeover Contest winner Julie Rummer with husband Richard.
Julie Rummer, Turlock, Calif., has won the Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest and will receive a $25,000 backyard makeover using Bobcat equipment. She also will have the opportunity to meet country music superstar and Bobcat enthusiast Justin Moore.
Five finalists were selected based on the originality and creativity in their contest entry submission, as well as sharing the impact of how a backyard makeover would empower them to accomplish more. Rummer’s powerful story received the most votes from the public.
Rummer survived an auto accident in 1995 that left her paralyzed as a quadriplegic. She is now wheelchair dependent, and often encounters challenges maneuvering in her backyard. While she loves to garden, the dirt and weeds often get stuck in her wheelchair. She would like to makeover her backyard and make it wheelchair accessible so she can be outdoors more often, which she says helps her forget her mobility limitations.
“We are thrilled to announce Julie Rummer as the winner of the Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest and can’t wait to bring her backyard dreams to life,” said Laura Ness Owens, vice president of global brand and communications and North American marketing. “At Bobcat, we are committed to empowering people to conquer their biggest challenges, and we are proud to help Julie in her pursuits by enhancing her backyard.”
Rummer and her husband enjoy entertaining family, friends and neighbors at their home and have wanted to make improvements to their yard, both visually along with making it more wheelchair friendly. They have not had the time or money, Bobcat officials said.
“Gardening is one of my biggest passions and being outdoors makes me forget my daily limitations. I am so incredibly grateful to Bobcat for this opportunity to create a completely accessible yard that will allow me the garden of my dreams,” Rummer said. “I’ve been brought to tears at the thought of winning this contest. The kindness, love and support from my family, friends, neighbors and total strangers has filled my heart.”
In addition to the backyard makeover, Rummer will have the opportunity to meet Moore as he joins the Bobcat team in the renovation project. Moore has been a brand ambassador for Bobcat Co. since 2021.
