Dish-Houston

DISH-COntributer: By Kimberly Campbell, President, QUEST Business Strategies (www.qbsmarketing.com)

HOW VERY DISHIE IS THIS!!!!!!   This Thursday, another lucky and deserving family will receive the surprise of a lifetime when the team of ABC’s Emmy awarded-winning program, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, pulls up in their big bus. The Bay Area Houston resident will be virtually evicted from their home on Thursday and sent on a week-long vacation, all while their house is demolished and rebuilt in less than seven days.

This project marks EM:HE’s 174^th episode where a family receives an amazing home transformation, all of which is made possible solely through generous donations from the community. Blu Shields Construction has taken on the mammoth task as the prime contractor and home builder. Their staff is responsible for spearheading all contractors willing to share their materials, labor and talents. Monetary donations are also collected to fund many of the project costs, pay off the existing mortgage, and set up college scholarships for the family’s children.

Public events for this episode were kicked off Monday with a massive pep rally in League City. Led by executive producer, Anthony Dominici, the 400-person crowd met the production crew, viewed video from previous shows, and got geared up to volunteer their important time during a particularly cold week here in the south.

Not only will this family benefit from this endeavor, but hundreds of others in the community will also reap rewards. The American Red Cross, a partner of EM:HE, is being mobilized to conduct a blood drive at the spectator site. Additionally, all visitors, volunteers and media are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help restock the shelves of area food banks, many depleted during the recent holidays.

Materials, donations and volunteers are still needed for this project. Anybody wanting to offer a helping hand can sign up on the Blu Shields website at www.blushieldsextreme.com. A list of specific supplies and trades needed are also listed. Project progress can also be followed on Facebook by becoming a Blu Shields Extreme fan.

The chosen family will get to see their new home on Thursday, January 14 when the show’s lead designer, Ty Pennington, hosts the “reveal” and engenders the crowd to shout those famous words, “Move that bus!” Although the air date of this episode is not yet known, EM:HE, currently in it’s seventh season, airs Sundays at 7:00pm on ABC.

Now get out there DISHIES and HELP!!! =) WOOHOOO!!!