When reading through a list of sponsors for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, an optical group may not be something you would expect. We recently spoke with Guy Laeufer of Dr. Tavel Optical Group, and asked him how he and the Tavel Optical Group became involved.

Laeufer said that they were originally approached by Winnie Schwinghammer from Hallmark Homes and asked to become a sponsor.

“Our contribution was providing eye care to the family until each child is out of college,” he said.

This equates to 15 years total years of eye care, with a retail value of over $30,000. It includes exams and eyeglasses if the doctor prescribes them.

In addition to the family contribution, Dr. Tavel also gave each volunteer and his/her family a 50% discount on eyeglasses for their hard work and for their great volunteerism, Laeufer said.

Dr. Tavel Optical Group is Indiana’s largest and oldest family eyecare professional group. They have been in business for over 65 years in Indiana, with 19 locations throughout the state (and growing)

Doctors of optometry are in each locations performing eye examinations everyday they are open. Several locations have on-site, same-day lab service.

When asked how an optical group could help build a new home, Mr. Laeufer proudly said,  ”On Thursday, I helped set up the flooring of the spectator tent and VIP tent.”

Thank you Dr. Tavel Optical Group and Mr. Guy Laeufer for your generous contribution to the Cowen-Brown Family. There is no match to the creativity and generosity of our sponsors.

Tom Jackson is the owner of Jackson Systems LLC.  Tom said that Jackson Systems donated a complete HVAC zone control system to maintain proper temperatures throughout the house, as well as a UV light and humidifier to ensure clean indoor air.

Founded in 1997, Jackson Systems is an award-winning HVAC company specializing in zone control.

Jackson’s company became involved in the build when asked by their client, T.A. Kaiser, to join them in donating to the family. Jackson said that giving back to the community is very important to his company.

“Being involved in the construction industry and our strong commitment to our local community, helping the Cowan[-Brown] family was a natural fit. We know our zone control and indoor air quality products will insure a comfortable and clean home,” he said.

Tom Jackson’s company is another of the many companies who helped make this build a success.

We recently spoke with Brenda Murr of Mermaid Pool and Spa. This is what Brenda had to say about her experience with the Hallmark Homes build.

“We were first contacted by architect Kato Smith, who had originally designed the complex of our company building. He couldn’t tell us much except that it was a makeover; [he] never mentioned it was ABC. He did ask if we’d be willing to possibly donate some casual furniture to the makeover. Our answer was a quick, and eager ‘yes.’ Later, we would learn it was an ‘Extreme’ makeover near Peru. We were to be part of something big!”

So, on a cold, soggy Saturday, at 7:30 a.m., the Mermaid Pool team loaded up a borrowed box truck (to protect the furniture) for a one hour trip to their ‘Extreme’ adventure. Upon arrival, they were immediately struck by the magnitude of the situation – and the tremendous energy being put forth. Despite horrendous building conditions – rain, storms, cold, bone-chilling wind- one could not escape the energy of those who were participating. As they waited their turn to deliver the furniture to Heather in ‘Bin City,’ they really felt like they became a part of the build.

“What a thrill for us. Although our donation was just a small piece in this large puzzle, we were so proud to be part of it. We hope the family will prosper from the love of all those whom they will never know. We are grateful for the opportunity to help,” Murr said.

This is a video of S. 100 West, the site of the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build of a new home for the Cowan-Brown family.

Video by Peter Gaunt

By Dawn Fluhler

As if bookending the entire build, it started to rain again at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” site in Bunker Hill, Ind. as the Cowan-Brown saw their new house. Here are a collection of shots from the Reveal. For more photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/hallmarkhomesinc/tags/thereveal

Kelly Thompson and Annie Britigan take shelter under their umbrellas while cheering during the “Move that bus!” taping.

Many people brought their own signs to wave in support of the Cowan-Brown family – and maybe to catch the eye of the ABC cameras.

Read more…

We have posted more pictures from the Reveal of the Cowan-Brown’s new house from Hallmark Homes and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” To see all of the Reveal pictures, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/hallmarkhomesinc/tags/thereveal

While we can’t show you pictures from the new house or the family reaction (that would ruin the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” episode in January!), we can show photographs that were taken of the crowd as they react to the sights and sounds of the big Reveal of the new Cowan-Brown house.

To see more pictures of the crowd, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/hallmarkhomesinc/tags/thereveal/

By Rhett Umphress

Jane Mitchell has been volunteering at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build since Saturday. In the last two days alone, she has put more than 20 hours in by helping in any way that she can.

Mitchell is acquainted with the Cowan-Brown family as her art teacher, Becky Osmond, is Heather Cowan’s mother.

“The family really deserves this,” Mitchell said.

Read more…

It’s over.

After a week-long build that truly can be defined as one of the most unique “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” efforts ever, the family is back in their new house.

Hallmark Homes would like to thank everyone who made this possible. There is no way that it could’ve been done without you.

The Cowan-Brown family is home.

By Jenelle Bickel

Brittany Ramus and Brandon Sloan have been volunteering throughout the whole week here at “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build. Today, they are selling merchandise from Hallmark Homes such as T-shirts for $10 and hats for $15. All the proceeds go to the Cowan-Brown family.

Ramus and Sloan have been involved with many different volunteering activities during the five days they have volunteered. Their previous duties included bus duty, where they made sure everyone got on and off the buses safely, as well as making sure everyone returned the hard hats that were provided. These two volunteers also helped with put up drywall for the house, and made sure the construction workers got refreshments.

“We’ve volunteered for five days, and it’s been fun,” Ramus said.

As the time for the revealing of the house grows nearer, many people are buying more merchandise to support the family.