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Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2009 > August > 06 > Entry
Extreme Makeover family sees new home
By Amanda Liles, Staff Writer
BEAVERCREEK — The “bus” has moved, giving the Terpenning family the first glimpse of their new home.
The Terpenning family arrived to the cheers of thousands of spectators as they exited a limousine at the site of their new home this afternoon, Thursday, Aug. 6.
Once the bus moved, family members cried tears of joy and the volunteers who helped build the house celebrated.
James Terpenning thanked the crowd after speaking with local builder Rob Arnold of Coventry Fine Homes. He then clapped for the volunteers and praised his co-workers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
“We really appreciate you all coming out,” James Terpenning said to the crowd. “We have a great community and a great Air Force, a great crew and you all did a great job.”
James and his wife Shannon were surprised by a knock on the door from the ABC reality show on July 30. The family was whisked away for a paid vacation to Disney World while about 1,500 volunteers, local home builder Coventry Fine Homes and the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team worked around the clock for nearly a week to build them a new house at 548 Carthage Drive.
The family has four children: Josselyn, 6; twins Justin and Jacob, 2; and Joshua, 1. James’ adopted brother Joseph, who has cerebral palsy, also lives with the family.
Earlier, today people attempting to catch spectator and VIP shuttle buses to the site of the Extreme Makeover home were lined up around the Eastgate Ford building. Eastgate Ford is the designated location to catch the shuttle to the site of the new home.
There were so many people that the Eastgate Ford parking lot on Seajay was full and motorists were starting to spill over into parking lots of other nearby businesses.
Shuttle driver Karen Snyder, who drives school buses for Beavercreek Schools, said they are running four shuttle buses that were full all morning.
And volunteer Melinda Pendergraft, who had been at the dropoff spot for about an hour around 1 p.m., said she has seen at least 10 buses drop people during that time.
Meanwhile, the community’s generosity continues to build. Officials from Wittenberg University in Springfield have announced that the college is donating full scholarships for all four Terpenning children.
The scholarships are valued at $540,000 at today’s tuition rate, said Karen Hunt, director admissions at Wittenberg.
In 12 years, when the children are ready to go to college the award is estimated to be worth more than $800,000, she added.
We heard about the family and it just seemed like the thing to do, Hunt said. Wittenberg first got involved with Extreme Makeover when their president was invited to watch construction from the VIP tent. After hearing the family’s story, Wittenberg officials decided to reach out.
The mission of Wittenberg is one of service, integrity and giving back to others, said Karen Gerboth, director of communications. This family just seems like a natural fit.
Permalink | Comments (63) | Post your comment | Categories: Extreme Makeover - Home Edition
Comments
By weez
October 14, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks to ty and all who worked and donated there time.. horray for u all. I’m so thrilled that i go to be a part of this program. I just wish i could have done so much more. I’M so touched by all the people that showed up to help out.. I watch this show all the time and of the cruel people who are trashing this better wake up and smell the roses. Cause u just never know what God has in store for u.. become a christen and u won’t ever have to be jealuos of other people cause u will have all the love u need to get by.. but u have to look up to the man in the sky.. Because he is your only hope to get over this hatre u have for people in need. Thanks again ty and keep up what u are doing. I just wish i could travel with u guys. LOVE U ALL…..SMILE BE HAPPY THAT IS WHAT IT IS ABOUT..
By Ballin20
August 8, 2009 7:35 AM | Link to this
Wow, what an amazing job all of the owrkers did on the house! It looks amazing. i live right down the street:) I am very very glad the Terpennings got the extreme makeover. They very much deserved it. i am so happy for them. And whoever these people are on here saying crap about how the family didn’t deserve this get a life.. and you should feel terrible. i’ve met the family before and they do deserve it.
By MDMHM
August 7, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
I live in Beavercreek & can’t afford to go away. This experience was a mini vacation, I stopped by every evening for updates & autographs. We have no kids & feel like I got a return on my tax $ by using the bus. I had so much fun, met people from all over. I voluntered when I learned I could use my vacation time but they were full (that was 1 wk before they started). Now it’s back to the ordinary. Congrats to the family & thanks for the show.
By to :lj
August 7, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this
I agree im not saying the family is un-deserving im just saying there are alot more deserving familys in Beavercreek
By LJ
August 7, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
To Whatever: You are so clueless and stupid. Become informed before you go shooting off your lame mouth. I am embarrassed for you.
By whatever
August 7, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
what a joke..like this family needs the help they already had a wheelchair accesable home wowow! i thought that ehm would have chosen a more deserving family
By Diane
August 7, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
“Having Light We Pass It On To Others” Wittenberg University’s motto is put into motion with this amazing gift to a very deserving family! Go Tigers!!
By Shea
August 7, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
To all who gave your time, efforts, money, talents, knowledge, really - ANYTHING - to support this project and ensure its success - I say “thank you!”. People helping people - it’s everything.
By TheScoopyDoop.com
August 7, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this
Congrats!! TheScoopyDoop.com “Let It All Flow”
By hey bbc
August 7, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this
WSU and Sinclair are state schools. I don’t know about Sinclair, but WSU is going through some major budget cuts and possible staffing cuts. They also had to raise tuition. The staff and students here at WSU have been supporting Shannon and James by volunteering, etc. The school is just not in a good position financially. Wittenburg being a private school, seems to be better off. Kudos to them for giving this family 4 things they will not have to worry about when these kids are graduate high school. Welcome home Terpenning Family!
By sheila suffron
August 6, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this
I must say that it really touched my heart to see so many people volunteer to help out with this project. You don’t see that much compassion in people any more. God bless the volunteers and workers who put in the time and skills to make this a wonderful blessing for the Terpenning family. And God bless Ty & Kellie & the Extreme Makeover crew for making a dream a reality !
By Makeover Volunteer
August 6, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this
My husband and I were honored to be able to volunteer with a wonderful project like this! It was AMAZING to see how so many people can work together in unity! I think people just like to look for the negative in everything…we do need some good news to boost moral in this nation! Welcome home Terpenning family…welcome home!!! :)
By bbc
August 6, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this
I thought it ironic. He was a WSU alumni and no one @ WSU stepped up to offer anything. It’s in their backyard. Especially with the history of wheelchair basketball and his ties. It figures a college 20 miles away in Spfld would step up. Springfield. No mention or step up from Sinclair. Anyone who has watched 1-2 of these shows knows the children receive a scholarship from a college or a private entity establishes a scholarship fund. This may incentivize a college attendee to attend Wittenburg over the local Dayton college scene.
By jvo63
August 6, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this
I think this has been the most positive and spirit lifting event I have see in an long time.Rob Arnold is a great person and build some very nice and tasteful homes.Dont let a few sour grapes change the focus of all the great thing that have happened for this blessed family!!GOD bless you all.
By To West Dayton
August 6, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this
West Dayton, yes there are a lot of deserving families all over. You are assuming because they live in Beavercreek that they are well off. That is not always the case and you shouldn’t assume that based on the city they live in. And think about it, would you build a house like that or any other EMHE homes on Gettysburg,Mia, West Third, etc?? Come on, be serious!
By Flyer
August 6, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this
I was proud to see the Beavercreek School busses working in partnership with the community on such a wonderful project. The nearby churches shuttled the volunteers. Both were classic examples of true community partnerships!! I was even more proud to see the hundreds of proud Beavercreek students everyday on the job site proudly wearing their orange and black school shirts supporting and cheering for the volunteers. Service learning at its best for all the students on site!! Awesome summer memories!!
By Morgan
August 6, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
The show will air between Oct and Nov. The security guard told me 10 to 12 wks to get it together!!
By To yeah right!!!
August 6, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this
The family does not know if they are picked!! They get a email that states they are picked and if the are chosen they will get a knoock on the door at 6am or later!! So that is why they are up!! They went at 10am to knock on the door!! Im glad this family got the house they deserve it!! People are soooo jealous that they didn’t get picked!!! So suck it up and get over yourself!!
By Caroline
August 6, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know when this will air?
By Neighbor L
August 6, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
I live near the family and have worked on the house all week. It was heartwarming on many levels. Those who are being critical…I wish you could have been there to get a feel for the whole thing. My only hope is that the volunteer spirit continues on in this area. No need for it to stop because the cameras are gone!
By Brad Pochard
August 6, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
What a great gift from Wittenberg…Go TIGERS!!
By Happy Daytonian
August 6, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
This has been a warm and uplifting story to watch unfold this week. I watch the show every week and think it is wonderful. I am inspired by the people that through adversity still find a way to give back to their community and to others around them. It is also nice to know that people in this world do care, and are willing to come together and work hard to do for someone in need. God Bless everyone that was involved or contributed. People like you make the world a better place.
By Donnelsville Guy
August 6, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
Our business was PRIVILAGED to donate it’s services for the full week - a wonderful, heartwarming experience to help a family out that always gave back to the community and were never “takers”. Unlike the complainers, these deserving folks will treasure this experience, their new home and their educational opportunities to make the world a better place - wish all those naysayers could do the same!
By Keith
August 6, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
My only problem with this story is that I moved to Arizona 5 weeks before the building began. I wish that I had been there to help. To the complainers, get a life, contribute and you too will be BLESSED. May God Bless this family and all that volunteered.
By My2cents...
August 6, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
I watch this show every Sunday. It is absolutley wonderful how this show has changed so many lives. I don’t know why some people on this blog have to attack the good they are doing. Jealous I suppose… Doesn’t matter….Congrats to this family….you are certainly deserving!!!
By Plastic Spoon
August 6, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
Wittenberg has a lot of class and a big heart. An old and honorable college of higher learning. You guy rock!
By me
August 6, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
Again I happily say ” I am damn proud to an american”. Only In America do you find such compassion for others less fortunate than myself.
By ricardo
August 6, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (and lots of helpers).
By Mandy
August 6, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
It makes me so sad to know there are so many hateful people out there, I cant believe people would get upset to see a family’s life made easier. I truly believe what goes around comes around. so all you volunteers your day is comming, as for the the complainers, maybe thats why nothing good has happened to you!!!!
By jess
August 6, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
People helping people - seems like a good thing to me. Maybe those that are finding fault should ask themselves - if someone knocked at your door and offered to build you a home - would you really say thanks but no thanks…?
By sharon
August 6, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
This family has always paid their taxes and have not been delinquent….check the puvlic records in Greene County. Yes, there are lots of deserving families but we can only save one starfish at a time!
By sharon
August 6, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
Several people keep talking about will this family be able to keep up with the taxes, etc.? Check the public records; they have always paid their taxes since they purchased the house in 2004. They have not been delinquent and actually got a good price back then. They didn’T nominate themselves; some of his co-workers nominated the family.
By tom
August 6, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this
We the people of the United States had already given everything to this family no we give more. This is a real sad moment for all of us that have worked for what we have and not had it handed to them. As a Nam Veteran we never had it this good then or now or in the further.
By Volunteer
August 6, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
I have been a volunteer for the last 6 days for this project. I have to say it was a truly life changing event. To be able to contribute somewhat anonymously to making this happen and watch the teamwork of all the trades and volunteers makes me have hope that there are still good people out there. To see the reaction of the family was the ultimate reward. Thanks to everyone who gave of their time and resources.
By Observer
August 6, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
How wonderful for this family. I wish we could do this for every family in need but, until then, “one starfish at a time.”
By supportive
August 6, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Hey West Dayton…I am tired of hearing about how much is needed that way when there is such a lack of good there. This family actually contributed positively to society and the house will not be destroyed or mortgaged after a short while like it probably would be in West Dayton. Get a clue. Congrats to this family!
By Andrewf
August 6, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
My understanding is the production company is reimbursing for the use of the buses, much like any other event that utilizes the buses. I went the first day and our driver was told to keep track of the mileage of the bus.
By West Dayton
August 6, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
I’m happy for the family and everything but i must say there are alot of deserving familes living in West Dayton. There are alot of homes in disrepair too! I thought EMHE reached out to familes in “real need” but now I see they help familes that can help themselves after it’s all over, which I can understand, who wants to build a house for someone who couldn’t keep it, i get the show now
By Mark
August 6, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
“Who’s Paying” Hopefully the will just bill you personally. God Bless Beavercreek residents and all for helping to make this happen!
By Yeah right
August 6, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
First of all they have known about this house for the past year, they said a waiver stating mum was the word or they would not get a new home, I think it’s great that this happened but please don’t BS us, how do you think every show the people who are surprised are actually cleaned up and not looking like they just got out of bed?
By who's paying?
August 6, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
The Beavercreek school buses are being used to shuttle spectators…not volunteers. I’m 100% for the cause…just wished they used private buses (like the one’s that they use for the volunteers). My other concern is who is liable if the bus were in an accident? Would the school system be involved in a frivilous lawsuit? Calm down…I’m not against this cause at all…just don’t like the fact that school owned buses are being used to transport spectators.
By shelley0811
August 6, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Kudos to Wittenberg. I think that’s great! Despite some of my personal feelings, these kids can’t help the situation they were born into…I think it’s wonderful that they will get to go to college…
By Carl
August 6, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
“Who’s paying”… maybe you would like to donate some fuel for the buses. I am sure they would appreciate it.
By taxes?
August 6, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
The Terpennings are a very deserving family, and I am glad that they have received such wonderful gifts of a new home & college tuition for their children. But I wonder if they’re going to have to pay taxes on any of this if it’s considered a ‘gift’ - if so, will they be able to afford it? And I’m sure that their property taxes are going to go way up. I hope all of this was taken into consideration before the project started - would hate for it to turn out to be a bad experience for them.
By Jeff
August 6, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
Who’s Paying: There’s medication for people like you. Make sure you take the highest dose. What a miserable loser.
By TJ
August 6, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Who’s Paying You need to be careful during the next rain storm. Scum like you usually get washed down the storm drains.
By HalfFull
August 6, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
@Who’s Paying? - What a sad life you must lead. Everyone is volunteering their time and skills, donating food, donating blood, etc to a family that reaches out and helps others deispite their own difficulties. The only thing you’re worried about is the fact that some (probably about 12 cents) of “your” tax money might have been spent on gas to get these wonderful volunteers to their job site. Are you one of those lovely people who is only happey when they have something to complain about?
By Wittenberg Is Awesome
August 6, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a generous gift from Wittenberg. This has to be one of the largest gifts of all time to the show. This should be a story all its own!
By Donna
August 6, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
I have truly enjoyed the pictures and the articles this week about this great event. I love Extreme Makeover and think they are doing a great service to some very deserving people all over the United States.
By glass half full
August 6, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
Whos paying for the gas and wear and tear on the busses? Gimme a break, thats all you can come up with in your negetive view? Why dont you look at the other side of the coin where this project has giving a boost to Beavercreeks economy this week. Do you think all these volunteers want to go home and cook this week? No, they’ve been stopping at your local restaurant to eat on the way home after volunteering each day. This project came to your town to help people feel some much needed hope. To feel like people are still good at heart. With all the crap in the world today, people need something to feel good about, not to have another negetive spin thrown on it. Cant we all just feel hope and joy for this event for just one day? Give us one day before the crud crumbles and covers us again…
By Thanks Wittenberg
August 6, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
The free Wittenberg tuition is a greater gift than the house. Very cool for the family and more ammunition for the “sour grapes” crowd who will fill this board with their whines.
By Rick
August 6, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
Congrats Wittenberg! You would think the big name college in Dayton would step up to the plate and throw their name out there. Since they always like to say how great their University is.
By Michelle
August 6, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
It has been great watching all this unfold over the last week! Such a good, positive story to read and see every day. It’s been a great break from all the negative headlines of homicides, unemployment, foreclosure’s and other sad stories we normally see daily in our local news! We CAN pull together and make a difference. Thank you Extreme Home Make Over. Thank you DDN for being there to cover this story.
By who's paying?
August 6, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
I’m all for the house being rebuilt and all. I just have a question. Who is paying for the gas and the wear and tear on the Beavercreek school busses? If I’m not mistaken, the bus drivers are volunteering their time…which is great. But are the Beavercreek taxpayers having to shell out $$ for gas and wear and tear on those busses?
By Mollie
August 6, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
High Roller- I think you missed the whole point of the home make-over. It’s a shame too. I wish the best to the Terpenning’s and their family. You truly deserve your new home. God Bless!
By Mollie
August 6, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
High Roller- I think you missed the whole point of the home make-over. It’s a shame too. I wish the best to the Terpenning’s and their family. You truly deserve your new home. God Bless!
By amazing grace
August 6, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
What a blessing! To KNOW your children will have a college education is a comfort to any parent. Thank you Wittenberg!
By High Roller
August 6, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
I would sell the house, fly to Vegas and let it rip on the Black Jack tables then come back and move into a rental.
By Brad
August 6, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
This makes me proud to be a Wittenberg Alum.
By Ann
August 6, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
I am so excited for the family. I just wish that I could have been there for the unveiling
By Kathryn
August 6, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
Wow—that is so amazing—so generous of Wittenberg. I am very touched and grateful for the generosity of those around us!
By Relax 2009
August 6, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
What great news for those kids (and their parents)! They may be able to put a dollar figure on tuition, but educating all four children is really a priceless gift.
By morgan
August 6, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
Yeah!!!!