Milkshake Takes an Inside Look at Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
We were sad to see the end of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but true to form, the uplifting reality show went out with a bang. The series finale, which aired on January 13, featured their biggest build ever. In case you missed it, here's the recap: a team of volunteers joined the Extreme Makeover team in Joplin, MIssouri to rebuild seven homes that had been destroyed by a catastrophic tornado in late May of 2011.
Though the bulk of the work is completed on the structure of the homes, there was still some progress to be made on the decor front. Crate and Barrel and Land of Nod have teamed up to help furnish two of the seven homes—and to help raise money for the American Red Cross.
We wanted to get a few more details about the project, so we talked to Jeanette Mitchell of Crate and Barrel about her work with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Check out part one of our interview series, below.
What was your role working with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition?
As project manager, I worked with everyone who came into contact with the Joplin rebuild including our stores, our distribution centers, corporate headquarters, volunteers, and members of the show. It was amazing to see everyone come together for such a good cause. I must admit it was exciting to be on set and see the inner-workings of how the show is produced and to meet some of the on-air personalities.
What was your favorite part about the job?
My favorite experience – by far – was meeting and working alongside with the 10,000+ volunteers, most of whom were from Joplin and had lost their homes as well, to rebuild the community. So many people had heart-wrenching and harrowing stories about the day the tornadoes hit. Yet, they were optimistic about their futures and grateful for what they had – their lives. It was such a profound experience and I’m grateful that Crate and Barrel was able to do a small part by helping two families start over with a bright future ahead of them.
What are three things that bring a smile to your face?
Baby chimpanzees, the color orange and dancing like penguins with my godson.
Check back next week to see part two of our Extreme Makeover interview series, where we get tips on how to decorate a nursery directly from the wonderfully creative people at Land of Nod.
Check out the pictures of the makeover at Crate and Barrel and let us know what you think of the redesign!