By Dawn Fluhler

The “Extreme Makeover” hasn’t just been for the Cowan-Brown family. The show has reached out into the community and the Family Service Association Domestic Shelter in Kokomo is getting a new roof because of it.

In conjunction with the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project, Hallmark Homes contacted United Way’s coordinator of community volunteers Cheryl Graham to find out what community projects needed to be completed. Graham suggested three agencies that could benefit, including the domestic shelter.

The shelter was built in 1985 and still had its original roof, according to program coordinator Pam Isaac. Beginning last Wednesday, volunteers and contractor started working on the shelter.

“Oh my word,” Isaac said. “They came here and have painted, carpeted, landscaped and now a new roof is going on.”

Read more…

We are looking for SKILLED laborers to come straight to worksite to help us finish the Cowen-Brown home. If you are any of the following, please head directly to the work site (11040 S. 100 West):

SKILLED Carpenters

SKILLED Painters

SKILLED Cabinet Installers

SKILLED Trim Carpenters

SKILLED Equipment Operators

SKILLED Plumbers

Also, only volunteers and sponsors will be allowed at the work site for the remainder of the evening. Spectators are welcome to join us for the Reveal tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m.

Again, if you are a SKILLED laborer, please come help us finish this house!

By Tiffany Holbert

Anyone that has been at the build site this week during lunch or dinnertime knows where the Kreole Kid trailer is. Randy Fletcher, owner of the Kreole Kid LLC, has donated more than 1,200 meals to volunteers, workers and spectators this week.

“Everybody’s said it’s the best food out here,” Fletcher said.

The Kreole Kid is an onsite catering business specializing in southern style barbecue and Cajun cuisine.

Read more…

By Eric Hultz

Building a house requires a lot of people, and with a lot of people comes a lot of stomachs that need to be filled. That’s where people like Patrick Butterly come in.

Patrick Butterly, General Manager of Ruby Tuesdays of Kokomo, has been at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build site for the past four days to help feed people in the VIP tent. His franchise owner was first contacted about helping out and said yes without any hesitation.

“We like to give back as much as possible. We would have done it no matter if it was for one day, four days, or 20 days. We would do what ever it took to be involved,” Butterly said.

Read more…

By Joey Foster

On Sunday afternoon, Debbie Beachy was standing at the raffle table with $20 worth of raffle tickets in her hands. She has spent many hours with Bunker Hill’s “Extreme Makeover” team, after hearing about volunteer opportunities through the television show,

Although she wanted to sign up, she hadn’t heard from the show until Wednesday night at 11 p.m, several hours after the demolition had begun. Still, she came down at 12:30 a.m. and worked nine hours.

Then she came back again on Saturday and Sunday, when she brought her daughter Joy, who recapped the day simply: “This is the best day ever!”

By Katie Byrns

The American Red Cross used a cow-spotted limo as part of the publicity for today’s blood drive. The limo, which arrived at the build site this morning, has cow, pig, and chicken figurines on it. Also, the cow is capable of shooting “milk” at unsuspecting people or vehicles.

By Katie Byrns

The American Red Cross Blood Drive, happening today until 5 p.m. is well under way. The Red Cross brought four donation RVs to handle the crowd and get donors in and out efficiently.

As of noon, the Red Cross is projecting that they will meet their limit for donors by the end of the drive at 5 p.m. There is still time to come out and donate, so head to the Grissom Air Force Base as soon as possible to get in and donate.

Patience may be required as the strong turnout has led to a waiting period before one can donate. Donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate are available to the donors as they wait.

Read more…

By Dawn Fluhler

The Circus City Junior Clowns have played a large role in the Family Day festivities. They are performing a wide range of activities, from face painting to making balloon animals to just livening up the atmosphere outside in the farm field.

The Clowns, produced for the past 14 years by Debbie Cannon, volunteered to entertain the Family Day crowd at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build site. The clowns range in age from 12- to 40-years old. The youngest clown, Chloe Hunt, has been with the group for seven years.

By Jenelle Bickel

The events of Family Day have brought a much different crowd into the site. Children of all ages and their families are exploring the build and interacting with the variety of entertainers and sponsors that are here today.

Jessica Chapman and her daughter, Hayleigh, are enjoying Family Day. Poster board and markers have been provided for making signs that will be held in the spectator area.

Chapman is not only a spectator, but she is also scheduled to work a volunteer shift at midnight. The Chapman family is very involved with volunteer work, including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and believes this is a great experience for this community.

“With all the job loss that has been happening, this has helped the community greatly,” Chapman said. “This project also brings us together as a community.”

Read more…

By Katie Byrns

Often, it seems like the volunteers are coming out in pairs. This gives them an opportunity to not only help out, but also share the experience with someone close to them. Here’s a look at some of the pairs that we have run into:

When waiting in the shuttle line to the Grissom Air Force Base, you meet some amazing people. For example, Gene Kostrewa and Cindy Steele of Ameriprise Financial, a financial planning company that volunteered at the site today. The duo helped out by working in the tents distributing food. Both of these individuals were very happy to help the Cowen-Brown family build despite the muddy conditions and unpredictable weather.

Brittany Davis and her aunt, Debbie West, spent their day at the site volunteering their time. Davis is with “On the Way Deli,” which donated hot chocolate among other things to the workers and spectators of the build. West said that the build is a blessing for the Cowen-Brown family and they are happy to help.

Read more…