Area business helps raise money for hometown hero
from Staff Reports
Drew Leilich, Founder and President of Carolina Exterminating, in West Ashley, is calling on the local community to support one of West Ashley’s unsung heroes—Rick Fowler, a longtime resident and local landscaper known for his generosity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to helping others.
For more than two decades, Fowler has quietly served his community, not just through his landscaping business, but also by reaching out to those who are often overlooked. He regularly hires unhoused members of the community who are down on their luck, offering them a chance to earn money, regain stability, and rebuild their lives. He also provides free yard care for senior citizens who can no longer manage it on their own, simply because, as Fowler says, “It’s the right thing to do.”
Fowler’s journey hasn’t been easy. Several years ago, while assisting two women with a broken-down car, he was struck by a passing vehicle. The accident cost him his leg, but not his spirit. Thanks to expert medical care and his own determination, Fowler now wears a prosthetic leg and continues to work hard every day, bringing beauty and kindness to neighborhoods across Charleston.
Now, he needs our help. Fowler’s work truck—the backbone of his business—is no longer reliable. Without a vehicle, he’s unable to continue supporting his clients and the people who rely on him for work and support.
“He would never ask for help. He’s very humble,” says Leilich, who launched a GoFundMe campaign for his friend. He hopes to raise enough funds for a new truck so Rick can keep doing what he does best: helping others.
“Rick has always stepped up for our community without ever asking for anything in return,” says Leilich. “Now, it’s our turn to step up for him.”
According to Leilich, the goal of the campaign is to ensure Fowler has a dependable vehicle so he can continue operating his business and lifting up those around him. Every dollar raised will go directly toward the purchase of a new truck—a tool that enables Rick to stay on the road, stay in business, and stay a vital part of the West Ashley community.
To learn more or donate, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-rick-fowler-get-back-on-the-road
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