EXTREME MAKEOVER: Home Edition
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Viewing Party Planned for Campus Community
Friday, December 9
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came, saw and built!
The success of this endeavor was closely tied to the enthusiasm, hard work
and dedication of SU students, staff and faculty. From the pep rally to the
final stages of the build (and even the cleanup), SU was instrumental in the
entire project.
Now, it's time to celebrate!
The Johnson-Goslee build episode is scheduled to air Friday, December 9.
Salisbury ABC-TV affiliate WMDT begins the evening with a one-hour
behind-the-scenes special at 7 p.m., leading up to the two-hour, double-edition
show at 8 p.m.
* * *
Team Advancement Turns Out for the Build
 Members of SU's Advancement Team joined hundreds of other staff, faculty and
students during the Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition build in Wicomico County. Among Team Advancement members who
participated, Kerrie Bunting, program coordinator in the Alumni Relations and
Annual Giving Office, and Brooke Church, Duplication Services office assistant,
helped paint shutters and perform other site tasks prior to the big reveal in
October. Pictured, from left, are Bunting, Ernie Church, Brooke Church and
Melissa Brittingham.
Alumnus Recounts 'Extreme' Experience
Students, faculty and staff were not the only volunteers from the Salisbury University community assisting during Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's recent Wicomico County build. Alumni also participated.
"It was an awesome experience," said Don Kinnamon Sr. '83. "The builders were wonderful to work with and made you feel that you were a very important part of the whole process. Having been involved in volunteer organizations for 30-plus years, I must say that this ranks near the top of my best memories."
During the build, Kinnamon helped paint trim around the second-story windows and roof and helped install trim on the porch and front of the house. He also helped move supplies inside the house so that the kitchen and dining room floors could be installed.
A volunteer firefighter and EMT-B for some 25 years, Kinnamon is a past president of the Delmarva and Eastern Shore volunteer firemen's associations. He also is president of the St. Paul's United Methodist Men in Cambridge, MD.
Individuals Make a Difference at Wicomico Build
While many SU student organizations assisted during Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's Wicomico County build, students also contributed as individuals.
Junior psychology major Kyrie Drake of Brookeville, MD, and junior accounting major Maggie Vincent of Salisbury volunteered at the site, picking up trash and shoveling out space for the house's foundation early in the build. As the project continued, they helped organize wood piles and painted baseboards inside the home. In addition, they helped put away tools and assisted with water bottles in the volunteer area.
"It was really neat to be a part of such a good cause," said Drake.
Vincent concurred: "It was amazing to be part of the experience."
In addition to their commitment to civic engagement, Drake and Vincent excel academically. Both are Presidential scholars and Dean's List students, as well as members of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.
* * *
Delta Gamma Does Good
From left: Morgan Killough, Ashley Gaver and Sarah Williams were among the sisters of Salisbury University's Delta Gamma sorority who turned out to help during the
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Wicomico County build. Members set up a VIP tent, removed labels from water bottles and helped make sure workers were hydrated early in the build.
* * *
SU Students Gain Experience Behind the Scenes
As the general manager of Salisbury University student radio station WXSU, Garrett Connell of Dunkirk, MD, knows things happen fast in the entertainment business.
Garrett Connell
It was not until he met Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (EM:HE) Senior Producer Milan Vlasic, however, that he realized just how fast. At the Wicomico County build Pep Rally, held at SU, Connell heard the show was seeking production assistants. Afterward, he chatted about the position with Vlasic, who encouraged him to apply once the call went out online.
"They sent it out on Tuesday night at 8 p.m.," said Connell. "They hired me at midnight and asked me to be there at 8 a.m."
Shane Scott, a junior communication arts major from Centreville, MD, learned about the position from a mass e-mail and also was hired within hours of submitting his application.
Connell, a senior communication arts major, worked on the show for two days. Scott worked for seven. Their duties included setting up locations, "gaffing" and "Greeking" (trade terms for "obscuring") logos so name brands would not appear on camera and keeping the cast's water bottles filled.
Connell said his courses at SU made the transition from radio manager and bartender
- his other day job - to production assistant relatively easy.
"I knew what they were talking about - the technical terms - from class. When they asked me to do something, I knew what they meant. I just made sure everything ran smoothly."
Though Connell did not interact directly with the show's stars, he came away with a high opinion of the cast and crew: "You can tell they're motivated by passion, not a paycheck."
Scott was happy to be among the organized chaos that makes the show a reality on such a tight deadline: "The exciting part for me was knowing I was part of such a big production. It was pretty overwhelming."
It also sparked an interest. Though this was his first experience in television, it was enough to convince Scott to consider TV production as a viable career after graduation.
While Connell enjoyed his brief work in television - and the nationally known show he can now list on his resume
- the audio airwaves remain his true passion. He hopes to continue working in radio upon graduating from SU.
* * *
Coming Together to Pay it Forward
From left, Dedra Moore, Christa Alt, Robin Schmidt and Brittani Hann were among the hundreds of Salisbury University students who volunteered during
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's recent build in Wicomico County. Many Sea Gulls who gave their time were astounded by the community effort
- and proud to play a part.
"I think paying it forward really obviously pays off," SU student Lauren Desautels told WMDT-TV during the big reveal. "The more you help somebody else, I think it just betters their life, and they learn to help other people."
* * *
SU Glass Students Have 'Awe-Inspiring' Experience
How does a college student go from surfing the Internet to sharing his life's
passion with a star of one of TV's top-rated series - all within a few short
days?
Joey Calabrese
For Salisbury University senior Joey Calabrese of Salisbury, it started with
Facebook.
The art major, with a concentration in glass blowing, noticed a call for
volunteers for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's (EM:HE) Wicomico
County build on the popular social networking site and clicked a link to learn
more. There, he saw that producers were seeking experts in specific areas,
including art and sculpting. He filled out a brief online application and
continued his Web surfing.
The next day, he got a series of phone messages from a number he did not
recognize. Hollywood was calling.
With friend and fellow art major Eli Cecil, also of Salisbury, he soon found
himself in a hotel room with an EM:HE designer, who showed them concepts
of two rooms and asked which one interested them most.
"The one we picked was a funky, fun-themed type of room," he said.
The designer then charged them with creating a glass installation for that
room. With cameras rolling for three hours at the SU glass studio in Fulton
Hall, the two put together a five-piece creation.
Of course, they did have a little help. EM:HE designer and co-star
Paige Hemmis dropped by for a quick lesson in glassblowing during the shoot.
"She helped us gather some color," said Calabrese, referring to one of the
steps in preparing molten glass to be blown and shaped. "We didn't put her in
over her head."
While at the build site, Calabrese got to meet some of the show's production
crew, including executive producer Brenton Metzler, who granted him access
throughout the property.
"I was the last volunteer out of the house before the reveal," he said.
While working side-by-side with celebrities was exciting, Calabrese said the
best part about the experience was getting to see so many from SU and the
Wicomico community come together as a whole to help a single family.
"It was awe-inspiring. You don't really get the same effect
watching it on TV, but being there and seeing that firsthand was amazing."
SU's hot glass program is unique among Maryland campuses. Assistant Professor
Alison Chism, who directs the program, was impressed with Calabrese's
initiative.
"I try to get students to think expansively," she said. "Joey took the lead.
He had the moxie to do it."
Calabrese said he hoped at least a small snippet of his glassblowing session
with Hemmis will make it on the air when the episode is broadcast. He is even
more excited, however, about the national debut of his artwork.
"It's going to be really cool to see it on the show."
For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site
at www.salisbury.edu.
* * *
SU Students, Faculty and Staff Have Made a Difference
For students, faculty and staff, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has meant
engagement with a capital E! At all hours, they have been doing everything from
carting equipment to giving musical performances for volunteers to painting, carrying
lumber and helping to cover the house with tarps in the rain.
SU's Residence Life Program has maintained a constant presence throughout the
week. "This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students," said Dave
Gutoskey, director of housing and residence life. Some 1,200 campus residents turned
out for the standing-room-only Pep Rally. Once the build began, Residence Life
staff began running round-the-clock van shuttles to accommodate the six-hour shifts
student volunteers were working. "Many don't have cars, and we wanted to provide
a stress-free, accessible means of transportation," he added.
 The logistics were impressive: Usually four vans formed a caravan for each shift
- during
the weekend all were filled, he said. On Monday, after a special appeal from
EM:HE's volunteer coordinator Ian Gordon, vans were rolling every hour starting
at noon. Gutoskey estimates some 200 resident students volunteered that day. "It's
been an awesome response. Thanks so much," Gordon wrote afterward. Altogether, Residence
Life staff estimates more than 600 students have been on site throughout the week.
Riding to the build, students were enthusiastic and talkative. On the way back,
they were exhausted and thoughtfully quiet. Gutoskey heard one new student comment:
"I chose Salisbury (University), and I get to participate in something like this!"
 The project has accelerated community development in the residence halls and
beyond the campus, Residence Life staff believe. As educators, they are optimistic
that this early bonding experience will help retention. Students, faculty and staff
who live in the community also volunteered at all hours. They included the SU Cheerleaders,
Poms dance team, Student Government Association, Habitat for Humanity, Union of
African-American Students, SOAP, Safe Ride, Student Activities and Volunteer Center
staff, Greek organizations, the swim team, the SU World Drum Ensemble, the
Slim
DeNunn and the High Rollers band and many others.
SU is proud of these outreach efforts and looks forward to hearing from other
groups and clubs which volunteered. If you were among them, please share your story
and any photos using the links to the right. We want to hear about your experiences!
* * *
Campus and Community Invited to Reveal Celebration
Less than one week ago, the lives of the Johnson-Goslee
family changed forever when Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty
Pennington and the design team arrived at their door.
Over 2,300 people turned out for the project's kickoff Pep
Rally at SU, and now, Fusion Companies owners Wes and Josh Sims are inviting the
campus and greater community to the build site for the "Move that Bus"
celebration.
The event is Tuesday, October 4. Spectators may begin
to enter the property at 10 a.m. and the reveal is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.
"This community has been amazing in its support of this
build," said Wes Sims. "We hope that everyone in the surrounding area will
be able to share this exciting time with us and the family. We, along with
thousands of contractors and volunteers, poured everything we had into this
home, and we can't wait to share it with the Johnson-Goslee family."
Located on Old School Road in Mardela Springs, the
eco-friendly house is Emerald Certified by the National Association of Home
Builders.
* * *
Salisbury University Efforts Continue
"I tell my players that what they do off the field is just as
important—sometimes more so—than what they do on the field. Each year, SU
football players mentor Wicomico County elementary school students, serving as
role models in the classroom. Volunteering for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
not only allows them to give back to the community, but also to show the next
generation just how much working together as a 'team' can accomplish."
- SU Football Head Coach Sherman Wood
"When we heard Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was coming to this area,
we knew Panhellenic would be excited about the opportunity for service. This was
a chance to show the campus and a national audience that the Greeks stand for
philanthropy and community."
- Caleigh Wootten, SU Panhellenic Council president
"SU's fraternities have a tradition of service, and opportunities like the
Extreme Makeover Home Edition build fit well with our philosophies of giving
back. We are pumped that something this big is happening so close to us and that
our brothers have had the chance to participate."
- Chris Castle, SU Inter-Fraternity Council vice president
Since the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build began, the SU Residence
Life Office has been running four shuttles to the San Domingo site daily
(morning, afternoon, evening and night). Over the weekend, when classes
were not in session, many students took time to volunteer.
Among the University groups that participated was the SU swim team.
Freshman Caitlin Green called the experience a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"We carried wood from the house to the dumpsters, unloaded trucks of small
equipment, moved tarps over parts of the house to keep it dry from the rain, and
added some spirit and spunk to the rainy atmosphere," she said. "I loved
it. I couldn't have spent my Friday night any better. I enjoyed
every minute of it, even with the down-pouring rain and muddy conditions."
According to The Fusion Companies, unskilled volunteers are
still needed! Anyone who doesn't know how to use a hammer (or doesn't want
to) is still encouraged to come out and offer helping hands with the main
project and surrounding community projects.
Please click the "Volunteer/Donate" button on this page for more information.
* * *
Students, Faculty and Staff Continue Supporting Build
"Each winter, SU Athletics teams and staff collect food and toys for local
underprivileged families and children. We enjoy making a difference during the
holidays and for other causes year round, such as cancer research. I can't tell
you how excited we feel right now to help Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
make one local family's dream come true. It's a touchdown, home run, match point
and winning shot put (that's my sport) all wrapped up into one."
- SU Student-Athlete Advisory Council member Jennifer Houghton
"Salisbury and Wicomico County have been lauded four times as one of the
'100 Best Communities for Young People' by the America's Promise Alliance. With
the strong partnerships and support that helped make that designation possible,
I have no doubt that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will see an
incredible number of volunteers. When it comes to helping others in need
Salisbury University and the surrounding community traditionally shows no
bounds."
- Dr. George Whitehead, ShoreCorps/PALS project director and Salisbury's
Promise chair
Salisbury University's Student Government Association and members of other
campus groups continue to make the trek to the community of San Domingo to "give
back" and help the Johnson-Goslee family. On Thursday evening, Slim DeNunn
and the High Rollers, a blues band featuring SU faculty and staff members, also
played on-site at the hospitality tent.
According to Sara Lowery, SU coordinator of student life, individuals and
organizations on campus still can help: "Part of the Salisbury University
Promise that all students make is, 'I will strive to bring honor to myself and
the University.' Giving back and helping with something bigger than yourself
does just that."
Please click the "Volunteer/Donate" button on this page for more information.
* * *
SU Community Extremely Involved in Build
"I've met very few SU alumni who don't have fond memories of helping out
at community events during their time at Salisbury. I know I'm certainly going
to remember this one! It's a great opportunity for alumni in the area to show
today's students how it's done. And we might even show them a thing or two, as
well!"
- SU Student Alumni Council President
Kathleen Rabaglia
"Each year, SU students join in to give back to the City of Salisbury
during our ‘Big Event' and ‘I Love Salisbury' community cleanup days … but
compared to The Big Event, this is an EXTREME event! I know this will be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and I can't wait to share it with my
fellow Sea Gulls."
- SU Student Government Association
President
Jessica DiPietro
Salisbury University students were part of the march to the
house when the Johnson-Goslees learned of their selection by
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni are now flocking to the build site to help
make the family's dream come true. Why not join them? Students from SU's 11
residence halls, for example, are participating in a residence life volunteer
competition. They are signing up for all shifts, including late night and early
morning, to avoid missing classes, said Dave Gutoskey, director of housing and
residence life. Any student,
faculty, staff member or alum who has not volunteered may still do so by
clicking the "Volunteer/Donate" button:
Worked on the project already? We want to hear about your
experience! Submit your photos to
jfrhodes@salisbury.edu and stories using this
online form.
Donations are a great way for those who are unable to
participate in person to contribute. SU/Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition T-shirts are still available for a donation of $15 at
the Guerrieri University Center information desk. See posts below for details.
* * *
Johnson-Goslee Family Gets An "Extreme" Surprise
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and The Fusion Companies Launch
Build Today
 The
Fusion Companies is proud to announce that they, along with the dynamic team
from ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,
have begun the weeklong adventure turning the Johnson-Goslee family house in
Mardela Springs, MD, into a dream home.
At approximately noon on Wednesday, September 28, Ty Pennington and members
from the design team, including Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and
Johnny Littlefield, knocked on the door of the Johnson-Goslee family home.
Immediately the family was informed that they had been selected for the Emmy
Award-winning reality TV show, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Tragically, on Christmas Eve 2010, Wyzhir Johnson-Goslee was involved in an
accident that would forever change his life, but not his outlook. Wyzhir, a
16-year-old who inspires everyone around him, was working diligently with his
grandfather to improve their 80-year-old home, which was in a state of
disrepair. The project that Wyzhir was leading was almost complete when his
jacket became entangled with the teeth of the fast moving miter saw blades.
Attempting to release himself, Wyzhir fell backwards, causing the saw to fall on
him and ultimately severe his left hand. After weeks of care and countless
surgeries, Wyzhir was informed that his hand could not be preserved.
The Johnson-Goslee Family
With support from his mother, Patrice; sister, Renee; and aunt, Sonora,
Wyzhir has kept his inspirational attitude and outlook on life, not allowing
this accident to hinder him from his daily life. Wyzhir returned to school
immediately and also returned to working on projects around the house and the
community. He is a strong believer in giving back and currently serves as a
mentor within his local high school. In addition, he has been an integral part
of fundraising to support preservation of the community's rich African-American
history, including a schoolhouse which was built in the 1800s.
Wyzhir has not allowed this injury to set him back and remains dedicated to
renovating the current Johnson-Goslee family home to make it safe for his
mother, sister and aunt. The current house is not sitting on an "in-ground"
foundation, but sits on top of the ground, causing the home to settle unevenly,
ultimately resulting in structural issues. The walls in the house are not
leveled, and the ceilings are only 6 feet tall, 2 feet short of the standard
height.
In addition, the house lacks correct plumbing, leaving the Johnson-Goslee
family without working showers or bathtubs. Although Wyzhir dedicated himself to
this project, the house was falling apart around him quicker than he can fix it.
He and his family have made do with what they have had without any complaints.
Now, it's time to give them what they deserve, with the help of the community
and The Fusion Companies (www.fusionextremebuild.com).
Josh and Wes Sims, owners of The Fusion Companies, the lead builders for this
project, explain that after viewing the Johnson-Goslee family submission video,
"Wyzhir isn't simply interested in being able to live a normal life, but he is
equally committed to ensuring that others in his situation have the means to do
the same," further noting that "his attitude and genuine concern not only for
solving his own problem, but for attacking the entire problem head on, is what
solidified The Fusion Companies' commitment to this build and to helping the
Johnson-Goslee family."
The Fusion Companies, along with thousands of community volunteers and
generous sponsors will have only one week to build a house for the Johnson-Goslee
family. While the site of their old home is turned into an eco-friendly,
solar-powered home of their dreams, the Johnson-Goslee family will enjoy a
vacation courtesy of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The family will return to see their new home with
a "Move that Bus" celebration on Tuesday, October 4.
To sign-up as a volunteer for this project, please visit
www.fusionextremebuild.com.
Press Contact:
Chic Communications (www.chicpr.com)
Morgan McLoud / Kristin McMahon
410.271.6091 / 443.866.4449
morgan@chocpr.com /
kristin@chicpr.com
* * *
Mardela Springs Family Chosen for Build
Many have volunteered for
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's WicomicoCounty
"build." Now, they know who they're building for.
Earlier today, Ty Pennington, the program's host and lead
designer, knocked on the door of the Johnson-Goslee family of Mardela Springs,
letting them know they were selected to receive a new house. Volunteers will
have a week to make that dream come true.
Wyzhir Johnson
The community rallied around the family earlier this year
after one of its members, Mardela
High School student Wyzhir
Johnson, lost his hand in a home improvement accident on Christmas Eve 2010.
Local organizations, including
Salisbury
University's Untouchables
Dance, Inc., helped raise money that allowed the family to purchase a bionic
hand for Wyzhir.
Now, he will have a new home to go with his new hand.
For more information about the family's story, visit
www.delmarvanow.com.
Those assisting with the week-long project include many
members of the SU community, who heard details about the project at a
standing-room-only Pep Rally on campus last week. For those who want to show
their Sea Gull pride and support the build at the same time, limited edition SU/Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition T-shirts are still available for a $15 donation.
Proceeds support the build.
Those contributing via cash or check may drop their
contribution off at the
Information Desk of the GuerrieriUniversity
Center and pick up
their shirts there. Those who wish to use a credit card may do so online at
https://www2.salisbury.edu/donation/extreme, print out the e-mail that will
be sent confirming the contribution and bring it to the Information Desk to get
their shirts. Information Desk hours are 8 a.m.-midnight Monday-Saturday,
noon-midnight Sunday.
Volunteers are still needed at the build site. To sign up,
click on the "Volunteer/Donate!" button:
* * *
2,300 + Attend Kickoff Pep Rally
It was standing room only in SU's Maggs Gym with more than 2,300 enthusiastic
students and community members attending a kickoff Pep Rally on Thursday,
September 22. Loud cheers erupted when Master of Ceremonies Terrence Lee of WMDT
asked: "Have you guys heard? I think there's a little show called Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition ... and they are coming right here to Wicomico
County!" Sammy the Sea Gull joined student groups, including the SU
cheerleaders, World Drum Ensemble and Untouchables dance squad, to get the
energetic crowd pumped-up and dancing.
[View Photo Gallery]
Senior Producer Milan Vasic applauded the turnout and said it was one of the
loudest crowds he had heard in the show’s nine years. He shared clips of
charismatic host Ty Pennington and other volunteers working on some of the 200+
builds completed to date. Production team members read lists of items and skills
still needed for the Maryland project.
SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach challenged students to use their positive
energy to help make a difference for the local family selected. Fusion Companies
co-owner Wes Sims thanked the many people who have already contributed to
getting the exciting project off the ground.
The rally began with the advancement of the colors by area Boy Scouts and Cub
Scout Pack 478, assisted by SU’s Student Military and Veterans Association.
Chesapeake Bay Council Girl Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and John
Wesley Wright of SU’s Department of Music sang the national anthem. Squawkapella,
and members of the University Chorale, Madrigal Choir and an SU Diction course,
also performed. Throughout the evening, kids and adults enjoyed interactive
video games, giant inflatable hamster balls, laser tag and candy cannons
provided by Games2U.
When the rally was over many people asked only one question: "Where do I sign up
to volunteer?" Click below to VOLUNTEER!
* * *
SU Gears Up for EXTREME Event
 Today, Salisbury University hosts a pep rally of EXTREME proportion!
Students, faculty, staff and the entire community are invited to Maggs Gym at 5:30 p.m. to kick off an upcoming build for
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The next family to be featured on ABC's Emmy Award-winning show lives
in the area, and the energy-filled rally will provide more details about the many ways to become involved in the project.
Also featured at the pep rally are family-friendly games and entertainment, including giant inflatable hamster balls, candy cannons and video game theaters provided by
Games2U. Attendees are encouraged to bring hand-made posters welcoming
Extreme Makeover to SU, donate "A Bear,
Book, Ball or Blanket for a Child," and of course, show Sea Gull spirit by wearing maroon and gold SU gear!
Official Extreme Makeover T-shirts are available for a $15 donation. Parking is on SU's East Campus.
[More info]
* * *
Family-Friendly Games from Games2U
.jpg)
Hamster Balls
Ever want to roll in a giant inflatable hamster ball? Catch candy from a
hand-held cannon? Play video games with friends in a theater with surround sound, laser lights and fog machines?
The community pep rally for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s upcoming Eastern Shore build promises these unique, interactive games and other fun entertainment throughout the evening! Thanks to the
Games2U mobile entertainment company, these family-friendly activities will be open to
"kids" of ALL ages, starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 22, at the rally at SU’s Maggs Gym. See you there!
[More info]
* * *
Parking advisory for 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Pep
Rally
Salisbury University will provide shuttle service between the Dresser parking lots and Avery Street parking areas to Maggs Gym for the
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally, scheduled for Thursday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m.
 University Police officers, aided by electronic message signs, will direct community members to the parking locations. Shuttle service begins one hour before the start of the rally and will continue afterward as long as is needed.
ABC's Emmy Award-winning program brings people together to makeover the home of a deserving family in only one week. The next home will be somewhere in this area, and the producers and builders have turned to SU to host the biggest single event that precedes the actual build. The pep rally, which includes a senior producer from the program, helps spread the word and recruits project volunteers.
* * *
Fusion Brings "Extreme" to Our Area
The Fusion Companies and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to Hold Community Pep Rally for Upcoming Build
on the Eastern Shore
Annapolis, Maryland (September 19, 2011) --- With less than two weeks
until ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build in the area, The Fusion
Companies, along with Salisbury University, invites the community to participate
in an old-fashioned "Pep Rally" on Thursday, September 22, at Salisbury
University's Maggs Gym (1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD), starting at 5:30
p.m.
Participants in this exciting event will have the opportunity to mingle with
the Salisbury mascot, Sammy the Sea Gull, and some of SU's star athletes, as well
as hear from some of the key build participants. The initial speaker is Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition's senior producer, Milan Vasic, who presents an overview
of the project and history behind the show.
 In addition to Vasic, SU welcomes Wes and Josh Sims, owners of
The Fusion Companies. The
Fusion Companies is the lead builder for this project, and The Simses will encourage
the audience to rally together to support this local, deserving family and to come
to the build site to help make this dream a reality.
Some additional highlights for the evening include: family-friendly fun and games
for children and young people, the SU cheerleaders, live music and video. Although
not required, attendees are encouraged to bring "A Bear, Book, Ball
or Blanket for a Child."
The Fusion Companies also will recognize SU (www.salisbury.edu) as a partner in the program.
"What an amazing impact this project will have on our region," said Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach,
President of Salisbury University. "It is clearly about a community joining forces
to have an EXTREME impact on one family's quality of life. Salisbury University
students, faculty, staff and alumni have a history of community engagement. Let
the transformation commence!"
 The local family selected for the build will be notified later this month through
a "door knock" from the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team, including lead
designer Ty Pennington. "This project will not happen unless we have support from
the community. We urge everyone who sees this to grab a friend and sign up to help
with this build," said Wes Sims.
Parking for the Pep Rally is available on the East Campus. University Police
will be on hand to direct visitors.
Volunteers (skilled and unskilled) may sign up via the Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition website (www.joinextreme.com/maryland).
For more information on The Fusion Companies or
to schedule an interview with Wes or Josh
Sims, owners of The Fusion Companies, please contact Morgan McLoud at 410.271.6091,
morgan@chicpr.com or Kristin McMahon at
443.866.4449, kristin@chicpr.com.
For more information regarding ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,
please contact Sarah Strid at sarah@emhe.tv.
About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Emmy award-winning reality
program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now entering its ninth season, is
produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced
by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North
America. The show airs Sundays from 8-9 p.m., ET, on ABC.
About The Fusion Companies: The Fusion Companies is a network of companies
focused on advancing the understanding and implementation of sustainable practices
in design and construction of residential and commercial buildings. Fusion's commitment
to constantly improving its process and practices while reducing environmental impact
is best embodied in the company's quest to design and "build the perfect house."
www.thefusioncompanies.com,
www.fusionextremebuild.com
About Salisbury University: Salisbury University, a member of the University
System of Maryland, is a regionally accredited four-year comprehensive institution
offering 56 distinct graduate and undergraduate programs. Located on the historic
Eastern Shore, SU's beautiful campus is some 30 miles from the Atlantic beaches
and 2.5 hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
www.salisbury.edu
About Chic Communications: Founded in 2009, Chic Communications is a boutique
firm focusing on public relations, marketing, and special events. Chic Communications
has positioned themselves as experts in the industry, focusing on clients within
the luxury lifestyle segment. Chic Communications is handling all public and media
relations for this project. www.chicpr.com
Press Contact:
Chic Communications (www.chicpr.com)
Morgan McLoud / Kristin McMahon
410.271.6091 / 443.866.4449
morgan@chocpr.com /
kristin@chicpr.com
* * *
Fusion Brings "Extreme" to Salisbury University
Dear Campus Community,
Salisbury University students, faculty, staff and alumni have a wonderful
history of outreach and engagement. I am delighted to invite you to
participate in a community program that has garnered nationwide recognition:
ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
The University has been asked to partner in the project along with one of the
mid-Atlantic’s leading “green” builders. On Thursday, September 22, SU
will host a pep rally for the campus and community. Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition senior producer Milan Vasic will provide an overview of the
process. In addition, the family-friendly rally will feature fun and games
for children and young people, the SU cheerleaders, Sammy the Sea Gull, live
music and video.
A press release with more information is available: Pep Rally Press
Release (PDF). Please mark your calendars now:
Thursday, September 22
5:30 p.m.
Maggs Gym (inside and out)
The project will have an EXTREME impact on one family’s quality of life.
I hope you will consider attending to hear more about becoming involved in this
remarkable community event.
Janet Dudley-Eshbach, Ph.D.
President
* * *
Invitation from Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach, President of Salisbury University
Dear Campus Community,
It is with great enthusiasm that I inform you that Salisbury University
is welcoming an event of EXTREME proportion!
On Thursday, September 22, the campus will host a
pep rally for
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The next home will be somewhere in
our area, and the producers and builders have turned to SU to host the biggest
single event that precedes the actual build.
ABC’s Emmy Award-winning program brings people together to "makeover"
the home of a deserving family in only one week. SU joins other
universities across the country which have hosted such pep rallies to help
spread the word and recruit project volunteers.
Please mark your calendars now:
- Thursday, September 22
5:30 p.m.
Maggs Gym (inside and out) - [map & parking]
Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event being held
right here on the campus of Salisbury University!
Janet Dudley-Eshbach, Ph.D.
President
* * *
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