RICHARDSON, TEXAS (March 22, 2010)—"Move that bus!" It's the rallying cry that excites millions of television viewers every week, as the host of ABC's hit show "Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition" reveals a newly transformed house to a deserving family in their time of greatest need.
Before the culminating moment of surprise, the show's design team, builders, volunteers and sponsors move mountains of supplies and demolition debris in the span of a week to make the dream of fresh start a reality.
The perfect "green" solution
In December 2009, Lennox district manager Tara Picou and territory manager John Seibert were offered the chance to work with Extreme Makeover in helping a military family in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and they knew Lennox would be a great fit. "Part of the criteria was to make the new house the first Gold Level NAHB-certified 'Green' home in Mississippi," Seibert said. Accustomed to helping families on a moment's notice, Dusty Walker from Oak Grove Heating & Air was quick to help. He had only an hour to decide to become involved with the project, and jumped right in.
A shining example of Lennox going to extremes
Walker, his Oak Grove crew and subcontractors had seven hours to duct the whole house and managed to make it happen, despite an onslaught of rain and temperatures as low as 20 degrees. Working on a steep, muddy roof, Walker and his crew proceeded with installing the home heating and cooling system.
When the family returned home and saw their new house for the first time, Walker felt the impact of the contributions made by his company. "There were times that week when you really wondered why," he said, "and then I saw their kids' faces. They were so happy and excited."
Walker said the project also showed him a lot about Lennox. "Both Tara and John didn't hesitate—they said, 'Let's do it.' And John came to the job site and was always willing to help...whatever needed to be done. That doesn't happen with just any company, let me tell you."
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airs Sundays 8/7c on ABC. Learn more about the show by visiting www.abc.com. Get details on this episode by selecting "The Heathcock Family" from the archives.
To find out more about Lennox home comfort products, visit www.Lennox.com or call 1-800-9-LENNOX.
