Melanie Spurgeon of Design Built Homes http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/ en-US Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:04:20 -0500 http://www.typepad.com/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Kids & FamilyTV & FilmnoExtreme Makeover: Home Edition Central IllinoisFollow the Central Illinois build of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition HOI-19's Coverage of the Build http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/d1xWLKbvKaw/hoi-19s-coverag.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/11/hoi-19s-coverag.html HOI-19 has done some great coverage of this build! Check out their links to see and hear more! Thanks so much for all of their hard work! Visit the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build page Daybreak's Gretchen Wirtz blogs about... HOI-19 has done some great coverage of this build!  Check out their links to see and hear more!  Thanks so much for all of their hard work!

Visit the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build page
Daybreak's Gretchen Wirtz blogs about experience
Family wants home makeover

Extreme makeover contractor prepares

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally

UPDATED: NewsAnchorMom on Jake's Big Day

Check out the links and read viewer comments too.

]]> Media Coverage Stephanie L. H. Calahan Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:04:20 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/11/hoi-19s-coverag.html Centrl Illinois WE are Almost There! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/6SrXblpwcD8/centrl-illinois.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/centrl-illinois.html Other communities have done it and so can we! Let's pay off this build and the Grys family mortgage. Keep reading to learn of ways (some new and some old) of how you can help! Other communities have done it and so can we!  Let's pay off this build and the Grys family mortgage.  Keep reading to learn of ways (some new and some old) of how you can help!
Moneyneedtracking_2

Go to any National City branch and make a donation.  We have seen donations as small as 50 cents and as large as $10,000.

Click the Donate Now button on the web site or the blog!  We have seen donations as small as $5 and as large as $500.

Purchase Extreme Makeover: Home Addition gear - We'll have more information coming on that later today!

Purchase Team Jake gear!  We'll have more information on that coming out later today too!

Be on the Lookout for tickets to the Viewing Party!

]]> Stephanie L. H. Calahan Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:44:40 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/centrl-illinois.html Build Participants Speak Out http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/YOJki1KSC9U/build-participa.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/build-participa.html Thank you SO much to everyone that has been sharing their experience and sending us pictures. It is awesome! Please keep reading for some comments from build participants! Thank you SO much to everyone that has been sharing their experience and sending us pictures.  It is awesome!  Please keep reading for some comments from build participants!

Thank you to Linda Hill for sending us some great shots!  Here is what she has to say:

"My name is Linda Hill and I was one of the lucky ones that was chosen to be a volunteer.  It really touched my heart to see all those people working together for such a wonderful purpose.  I don't know the family personally, but I have seen pictures of Jake.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm so glad I did it!  It was so much fun that I didn't want to leave at the end of my 4 hour shift.

I hope the Grys family enjoys their awesome new home - - how could they not, right?  Thanks Extreme Makeover:Home Edition!!"

Jenny and Greg Freson
"How we were involved: well, my husband wanted to volunteer but he wasn't need. I don't know the family but heard of Jake quite awhile back and circulated his online petition on myspace and Ivillage for more signatures. We also donated a small amount to help with their fund. I hope the financial aspect works out for them! God Bless"
Rachel Doan

"On behalf of the Grys family I would like to thank everyone who showed their support to build this home. For the first time, in the 8 years he's been alive, my little brother got to use the restroom by himself. Such a simple thing, yet so amazing. There are just not enough words to express how grateful we all are."

Pam Lohnes

"I would like to thank you for allowing me to be a part of making someones dream come true!  Melaney Spurgeon, Loy, Randy & everyone else who has had a part in this have all done an extremely wonderful job!  Thanks to everyone!!"



PicturesvideoThanks so much to all of you that have sent us pictures of the build. It will take us a bit to sort them out and get them uploaded to the site, but we are working it!  Please keep sending them.  You can email downloads@calahansolutions.com

Note: We are not allowed by ABC to publish anything that is of the inside of the finished home until after the show airs.  Get ready for some great footage though!  We even had Jake give us a tour on video.
]]> Participant Comments Stephanie L. H. Calahan Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:27:28 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/build-participa.html Let's Make the Nations' Biggest EMHE Electronic Photo Album! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/1TFU5snBkEs/lets-make-the-n.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/lets-make-the-n.html Hi! This is Stephanie Calahan (not pictured to the right) and I have had the honor of keeping this blog going during the build. I have met so many outstanding people and have tried to share some words from the... PicturesvideoHi!  This is Stephanie Calahan (not pictured to the right) and I have had the honor of keeping this blog going during the build.  I have met so many outstanding people and have tried to share some words from the individuals that would let me get them on camera (not always an easy thing!)  It lifts my heart with every interaction I have had.  However, no one could be at every part of the build.  I need your help!  Please keep reading for how you can get us your pictures and videos.

How to Send Your Stuff
We would like to make the biggest electronic scrap book ever for this build.  If you were involved in any way and took pictures or video, please email downloads@calahansolutions.com with your name, how you were involved and send us all of your fabulous pictures and/or video.  As we get them, we'll upload them to a photo gallery where everyone can grab what they want! 

What Happens If It Does Not Go Through?
We expect that we will get bombarded with some great stuff, so this email address has 1 gig of space.  If you get a return message saying the box is full, wait a day and send again.  We'll work as fast as our internet access will allow to get photos/videos up and going!

How Will I Know Where to Look?
We learned that some of you were having difficulty going to the albums that had been created on MySpace and Facebook. We are going to create our own gallery and post them right here on this site.

Thanks so much!

]]> Pictures & Video! Stephanie L. H. Calahan Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:27:16 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/lets-make-the-n.html So How Do You Say the Family's Name?? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/yLp3ZhPP0Kk/so-how-do-you-s.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/so-how-do-you-s.html We have had a number of people comment through this site, email and calls asking us how to pronounce the family's name. Bill Grys (Steve's brother) helped us out with this tutorial: It is like "Cries" "Jake cries when he... We have had a number of people comment through this site, email and calls asking us how to pronounce the family's name.  Bill Grys (Steve's brother) helped us out with this tutorial:

It is like "Cries"  "Jake cries when he falls down and breaks another bone." only with a "G" at the begining.

]]> Team Comments Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:33:00 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/so-how-do-you-s.html The Big Reveal Day is Coming! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/kpz4gZ1c5Sg/the-big-reveal.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/the-big-reveal.html The day is almost here. The big reveal day where the crowd shouts "MOVE THAT BUS" is tomorrow! Tuesday October 28, 2008 is when the Grys family will see their new home for the first time. Since this is a... Movethatbusschedule The day is almost here.  The big reveal day where the crowd shouts "MOVE THAT BUS" is tomorrow!  Tuesday October 28, 2008 is when the Grys family will see their new home for the first time.

Since this is a taping of a TV show, there is a lot of behind the scenes activities that happen before the family actually shows up and hops out of the limo.  Keep reading to learn how you can be a part of the action.

Schedule
10:00 am - 1:00 pm -- Production company films crowd shots and "practice family" pulls up in limo.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm -- Lunch break for crew and limo goes to get the Grys family

2:00 pm -- Grys family scheduled to pull up in their limo for their big reveal.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm -- Production company films the Move that Bus Scene

3:00 pm - 9:00 pm -- Ty and the family spend 6 hours in the house doing a tour and the production company films the remainder of the show.

Come prepared!
The forecast for tomorrow is COLD and windy.  Come prepared.  You may want to bring water, food, coats, warm clothing, etc. There will be no food, no heaters and no tents out tomorrow.  Keep this in mind as you plan.

Be ready to hurry up and wait.  Since this is a taping of a TV show, there will be a lot of waiting involved throughout the day.

Come early!  Once the spectator area is full, the shuttle bus service will be shut down.

Volunteers wear your blue "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" shirt!  Volunteers and workers will get first priority in the spectator area, however, if you want a spot, you should still come early.

Designers will be working!  This is the time of the taping of the show where the designers need to be on camera and have a job to do.  At various points during the day, the crowd will be asked to be very quiet so that the taping of the show can happen without a hitch.  Please be patient and courteous at this time. If the designers are available for autographs, they will walk over to the spectator.

Let's get ready for an amazing day!

]]> Team Comments Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:07:00 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/the-big-reveal.html Let's show the nation the pride of Central Illinois! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/lfXLFaKWNY0/lets-show-the-n.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/lets-show-the-n.html Other communities have done it and so can we! Let's pay off this build and the Grys family mortgage. Keep reading to learn of ways (some new and some old) of how you can help! Other communities have done it and so can we!  Let's pay off this build and the Grys family mortgage.  Keep reading to learn of ways (some new and some old) of how you can help!

Moneyneedtracking_3

Go to any National City branch and make a donation.  We have seen donations as small as 50 cents and as large as $10,000.

Click the Donate Now button on the web site or the blog!  We have seen donations as small as $5 and as large as $500.

Go to the VIP tent site an donate $25 and get an Extreme Makeover Home Edition shirt! 

Email LCHS_council@yahoo.com and make a bid on a Team Jake t-shirt that has been signed by all of the designers on-site! Go here to learn more: http://www.extremehomemakeoveril.com/2008/10/silent-auction.html

Purchase a Raffle Ticket for a chance to go to "Move that Bus!"  http://www.extremehomemakeoveril.com/2008/10/move-that-bus-t.html

]]> Donation Wish List Participate in an Event! Team Comments Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:34:41 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/lets-show-the-n.html Silent Auction of Designer Signed "Team Jake" Shirts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/XGbWpSUxfQM/silent-auction.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/silent-auction.html Do you love Extreme Makeover: Home Edition? Well now is your chance to get a part of the action. All of the designers on-site have signed a number of "Team Jake" shirts. We are auctioning them off to add to... Jakeshirt_3 Do you love Extreme Makeover: Home Edition?  Well now is your chance to get a part of the action.  All of the designers on-site have signed a number of "Team Jake" shirts.  We are auctioning them off to add to our Design Built Homes Extreme fund. Keep reading to learn more.

These signed shirts are being auctioned off by silent auction.

Please email -- lchs_council@yahoo.com

State:
Your first and last name
Your email address
Your phone number
What size you want
Your best bid

The highest bidders will win the shirts and will be contacted via telephone.  Once payment has been received, the shirt will be delivered.

]]> Participate in an Event! Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:10:50 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/silent-auction.html Photos - Photos Everywhere! Check Out MySpace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/X_HFXUXbucQ/photos---photos.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/photos---photos.html Many of the volunteers and workers on this project have been taking pictures and sharing them. Check out the album on MySpace. If you have a MySpace account join Melanie and add your photos to this album. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=48744724&albumId=2386053 Myspace Many of the volunteers and workers on this project have been taking pictures and sharing them.  Check out the album on MySpace.  If you have a MySpace account join Melanie and add your photos to this album. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=48744724&albumId=2386053

]]> Pictures & Video! Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:22:00 -0500 http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/photos---photos.html Watch another account of the build experience! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEditionCentralIllinois/~3/_FP9Hqn8AdQ/watch-another-a.html http://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/watch-another-a.html Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Central Illinois Click the link to read more! Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Central Illinois

Click the link to read more!

Susan Wallace - Worker

"I was a volunteer and it was the most rewarding project that I have been on. It was great to see all the volunteers and tradesmen working together as a team to get this house done for this special family. I'm glad I could be a part of the this. welcome home and bless you all."

Jaimie Joosten - Worker - Donor

"I just wanted to say congratulations! I went to Limestone High School, and I was truly blessed when you came and shared your story. I drove back from St. Ambrose University, where I currently go, to help with the build. Jake has truly made a touching impact on my life. I am so glad this opportunity came your way. You are an amazing family. Keep up the good work. I one day hope to become a physical therapist to help kids like Jake. You have truly inspired and touched my heart in a way that only you could understand. I am grateful I got to be a part of this build. Thanks for everything!"

Angela Fritch-Milton - Fritch Heating & Cooling

"Gry family, Thank you for letting us be a part of building your home. Everyone had a great time & wore a smile through our shift. You wouldn't think that would be the case with a flooded basement, pulling an all nighter, and soaked to the skin. But we wouldn't trade that experience for anything."


Want to share your experience?  Go here! http://www.extrememakeoverupdates.com/share_your_experience.html

]]> Participant Comments Stephanie L. H. Calahan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:08:00 -0500 noExtreme Makeover: Home Edition Central Illinois Click the link to read more!Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Central Illinois Click the link to read more!Participant Commentshttp://www.EXTREMEMAKEOVERUPDATES.COM/2008/10/watch-another-a.html nonadultExtreme Makeover: Home Edition Central Illinois