EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION: AFTER THE STORM Helps Heal The Hearts Of A Florida Community Ravaged By Hurricane Wilma
In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma, identified as the most intense hurricane in American history at its peak, tore apart homes and lives as it ripped through Florida. Now in a one-hour special, EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION -- AFTER THE STORM, FLORIDA travels to weather-ravaged Broward County to help rebuild a local woman´s soup kitchen and shelter that has helped heal the hearts of thousands. In addition, the show helps create a dream wedding for a young couple whose own wedding was washed out two times, by Hurricane Wilma and then Katrina. And lastly, the home of the 2003 Little League World Champions is completely refurbished just in time for opening day. This episode airs Thursday, March 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Essie Reed, a.k.a. "Big Mama," was one of the hurricane heroes. Though she lives in low-income housing, she is the de facto mother and caregiver for at-risk kids and the homeless, providing food, clothing, shelter and support. During Wilma, she fired up her barbecue and fed thousands of people each week. She is surprised by designer Ed Sanders when he delivers the news that he, local builder Homes of Merit and modular home manufacturer Adrian Homes will create a new modular building she can use as her headquarters and distribution center. In addition, many of the construction workers who build the unit are displaced Katrina survivors who are starting new lives in Florida. This is one of the first steps in getting them back to work, and they will also be the first recipients of Big Mama´s revitalized efforts, receiving clothing and supplies. Plus, the Sears American Dream team helps Big Mama deliver needed goods to help these people get their lives back on track.
When Michele Gross and Paul Costa were engaged over a year ago, they had no idea that their storybook wedding would all change when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. The storm ravaged the homes of their family and literally blew away their wedding. A month later they tried again, this time in Florida. As their wedding date approached, so did Hurricane Wilma. Once again their wedding plans were blown away. Now the storms clouds have passed and it´s a new day, as Ty delivers the news that EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION is going to throw the couple the wedding of their dreams. With the help of celebrity party planner, Colin Cowie, Ty will make this an unforgettable celebration. Best of all, the newlyweds´ relatives from New Orleans will come to Florida to witness the celebration of love and survival. In addition, trumpeter Chris Botti surprises the couple by playing the Wedding March at their ceremony.
One of Hurricane Wilma´s casualties was the home of the 2003 Little League champions, a facility that served 600 children in the community. Designers Preston Sharp and Tanya McQueen, Sports Turf One and local builder John Hock Homes, along with scores of volunteers, completely rebuild the field just in time for opening day this season. During this rebuilding, the youngest players on the Little League team, accompanied by their coach, travel to a special spring training session with their baseball heroes, Florida Marlins Dontrelle Willis, Mike Jacobs, Jeremy Hermida and Jason Vargas. When the new field is revealed, Dontrelle Willis will throw out the first pitch.
The design team for this episode of EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION will feature team leader Ty Pennington, Ed Sanders, Preston Sharp and Tanya McQueen.
