Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Blog, August 25, 2008
Dream it. Build it. Make it Happen!
So was the mantra of the Mahoney/C&S team when first embarking on this crazy, exasperating yet invigorating journey known as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, CNY. The dreaming began at least a month ago, spurred on by the Hill family’s unique story; 106 hours of intense building followed the Hollywood hype; and yesterday, August 25th, sheer determination on the part of many indeed made it happen.
First, I have to apologize for my much later than usual blog entry. Let’s just say that reveal day turned into an even stronger whirlwind than many of us imagined. Crowds of a few hundred in the days preceding soared to something approaching a couple thousand on Monday. Yours truly and several cohorts found ourselves thrust into the roles of security volunteers and pedestrian traffic cops for a good portion of the day.
Meanwhile, across the street, final touches were put on and around the new home. Just a few hours before the family’s scheduled arrival, carpet rolls were carried in, new wardrobes headed for closets, Adirondack chairs and small plotted trees were situated on the front porch, and other amenities were added. All this as the design team and volunteers worked feverishly to complete the interior decorating and cleaning on time.
Back in the training barn, there was still one uncompleted task that amounted to much more than a finishing touch – that being assembly of the boxing club’s sparring ring, first floor center. Several C&S folks were taking leadership there. In fact, CEO Mac MacMurray showed his adeptness with a sledgehammer, as President Ron Peckham and others helped put all the pieces in place. Didn’t hurt having a representative from the Boxing Hall of Fame lending both expertise and physical support.
After several crowd pre-takes of “move that bus” (yes, the bus driver practiced, too), the limousine carrying what had to be an anxious Hill family moved slowly up William St. At 3:30, Ty came dashing out the front door to greet the returning family and to move that bus for real. There were no second takes or second chances when it came to the family’s reactions, which were much like you see on other episodes of the program. Thankfully, no one hurt themselves. However, after eyeing and pointing to what might be the signature piece of the new dwelling, positioned atop a cupola – a weather vane sporting the silhouetted profile of a boxer – adopted son Aleem, aka “Hammer,” thrilled onlookers with a series of air-somersaults. That scene is sure to be captured on the show.
From there, the Hills were taken inside to begin their odyssey through the home, yard, and training barn. We heard, later, that the tour did not end until about 9:30 pm, after the boxing club got not only a look but also a run at their new digs.