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.

Early this morning Paul Schwinghammer, President of Hallmark Homes, announced that Hallmark Homes had been chosen to build the next Extreme Makeover: Home Edition home.

Within minutes of the announcement, Hallmark Homes new “Hallmarkextreme” website was receiving dozens of inquiries from people wanting to volunteer to help. Everyone at Hallmark Homes is excited at the level of interest from potential volunteers.

Hallmark Homes has created sign up pages on the Hallmarkextreme.com website where volunteers and sponsors can go to sign up. If you are interested in helping in anyway you can visit the extreme site and sign up on the Volunteers, Sponsor, or Donate pages.

Building a home in just 106 hours is a big task. It is going to take an entire community to come together to make it happen. All of us working as a team can make a dream a reality for a very deserving family.