Jacksonville Builders Star in ‘Extreme Makeover’
 The Northeast Florida Builders Association's Builders Care was selected by ABC TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” as the construction partner for rebuilding a home in Hastings, Fla. In the show’s 37-episode history, this is the first time a builders association has been cast in a leading role.
The Emmy-nominated reality show hosted by Ty Pennington and watched by more than 20 million viewers rolled into Hastings and knocked on the front door of the six-member Harvey family’s home at 7 a.m. on March 2. The family was given time to pack for a vacation to Niagara Falls. On the morning of Friday, March 4, an estimated 500 volunteers brought the house to its foundation by pulling on ropes attached to the home, and the 96-hour build began in earnest. Working around the clock, construction crews had to complete the 4,280-square-foot new home and release it to the decorators in time for it to be ready for the Harveys’ return on Wednesday, March 9. NEFBA President Bryan Lendry coordinated the project, enlisting the aid of his own company, Brylen Homes, and hundreds of other volunteers. “I am truly amazed — but not surprised — at the response from NEFBA members, Builders Care staff, volunteers and the community to help not just one family but a neighborhood,” Lendry said. “In addition to the Harvey home, Builders Care performed an Extreme Outreach project of its own, doing the kind of emergency repairs it typically handles for a number of other homes in the same neighborhood.”  Lendry said he sees the “Extreme Makeover” project as a way to bring attention to the problem of substandard housing and the work Builders Care routinely performs to bring homes into safe and habitable condition. Builders Care will complete its 500th home renovation this year.
“This is not just a Northeast Florida issue,” said Bill Wilson, Builders Care executive director. “Builders Care is a concept that can be carried to other communities across the country, and “Extreme Makeover” has given us a unique opportunity to show what can be accomplished when we all pull together to help our neighbors.” The Hastings project is expected to air on ABC in its usual Sunday night time slot on April 24. The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Hastings is the first time a home builders association has been selected as the construction partner, and it is the first time that an outreach program has been implemented in conjunction with the show. Lendry and Kevin Gray of Residential Designs by Kevin Gray were honored as NEFBA's members of the month for their participation in the "Extreme Makeover" project. The Northeast Florida Builders Association provides education, research, legislative representation, media relations, promotions and programs for its 1,700-plus builder and associate members. The association is celebrating 61 years of service to members and to the community through various charitable efforts. | 
