The Reveal...

Thursday, November 20, 2008


The Tutweiler house built in 106 hours in Chapman, KS





Yesterday was the big reveal, so now I can tell you about the home I have been working on! As some of you thought, it wasn't my home...





I was lucky enough to be chosen as a volunteer to work on the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition house that was built this past week in Chapman, KS. It was an amazing experience. To see a house built from the ground up in 106 hours is a phenomenal thing.




Me and Ty. When I asked if he would take a photo with me he said "Of course. It's the least I could do for someone who is doing all of this work for me."




I did everything from hang wallpaper to sweep the driveway to paint chairs for Ty Pennington. The staff and crew of the show are wonderful people who really feel that they are doing a great thing for these families and communities. The logistics of a task like this are huge. Everything, I mean everything is donated. One camera man told me they build the entire house on a budget of $2000. One of the project managers has been in Chapman for 5 weeks now lining things up and making arrangements with builders, vendors, and the city. Huge.






Me and Paul (who lived in Wichita, KS for 17 years) working in "his" room



Apparently the show has 2 builds going on at the same time. One is started, and goes for 3 days, then Ty flies (in a private jet) to the other site and gets it started. He then flies back to the first site for the finish and reveal and then back. Thus, two entire crews of builders, designers, producers, cameras, staff, and volunteers to manage. I am exhausted just thinking about it. There will be 32 shows taped this year. This build in Chapman will be a 2-hour special run during sweeps week, and I think broadcast January 25th. They will submit this episode for the Emmy nomination.


Ed is a great guy. He built all of the furniture in "his" room and worked in it all day on Monday. He even found my lost camera for me.




So my weekend was filled with fun and charitable events. The Tutweilers now have a house to live in. Here's hoping they are able to make it into a home, their home, as quickly as it was built.



I am sure I will think of other things to tell you about the build, but now I have to get back to my real work!

Comments

9 Responses to “The Reveal...”
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I try not to watch the show but always end up being "drawn" in. I am reluctant because all I do is cry and sob through the whole show. I find it amazing because it is my 10 year old grandson's favorite show and he crys also.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

Details, I want details! Did Ty actually work? Was he nice? Did your mega-fan daughter get to go?

DEAR GOD YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

G and I watch this show so faithfully and we are huge fans... he is going to freak when I tell him! I can't believe you got to hang out with the crew and everything.

Seriously so exciting. I'm not over this... and I can't wait to see the episodE!!!

WOW. I love that show! How amazing are you?!? So impressed...

it's unbelievable that they can build a house from the ground up in 106 hours..how cool to get to be part of it. and nice to see pix of you! ;-)

That is so awesome! Love the pictures that you got.

EHM was here a few years ago and we donated some home furnishings to the show. It was pretty amazing.

They are going to be in KC in Feb doing a project - how did you become a volunteer?

That is so freakin' cool! How amazing...I am jealous. Such a great opportunity!

oh my gosh... ty..... sigh. so jealous.