Community Pitches In On Modern Version Of Old-Fashioned Barn-Raising


In 18th and 19th century rural America, an entire community came together to raise a barn for one of its households. Lumber and hardware were laid in, ground was cleared, food was prepared. Each volunteer brought to the project his or her unique skills, with the crew being overseen by those with the most experience.

The modern equivalent will take place starting April 23 when ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will build a new home in a week for single mother Beverly Turner and her nine adopted special-needs children whose Irvington home was destroyed by fire last September.

The two-hour episode, which is tentatively scheduled to air May 21, will be the season finale for the show, which can be viewed Sunday evenings at 7 p. m. on ABC.

The build will be led by Edgewood Properties and Century 21 Construction Corporation, but it would be impossible without the participation of over 3,000 construction workers, sub-contractors, tradesmen and additional community volunteers who are donating their time and skills, as well as that of the many companies donating supplies and materials.

Then there are the dozens of other donors who are providing support services for the crews who will be working around the clock to ready the house for the "reveal" on April 30, when their new home will be revealed to the Turner family.

The hundreds of workers who will be on the site at any given time will need meals, snacks and drinks; a place to rest if they get tired; a tent in which to eat their meals; and off-site space to park their cars and store their materials, as well as the transportation for both to the site -- most of which is being provided without charge by donors and volunteers.

Tents and food will also be provided for the media and VIPs.

"The real heroes of this project are the people who are donating their time and labor and manpower," Sheryl Weingarten Morris, a principal of Edgewood Properties, said. "They are doing this purely out of the goodness of their hearts."

Stop and Shop Supermarkets, for instance, will donate food for two daily dinner seatings. A mini Quick Chek convenience store will provide free refreshments. Roma Foods will provide a pizza truck and Arizona Beverages, Starbuck's Coffee and Red Bull Energy Drinks will provide the caffeine to help keep busy crews on schedule.

In the treat category, Rita Ices will provide Italian ices and the Cheesecake Factory will provide cheesecake.

"This couldn't happen without the cooperation of thousands of people who are helping to bring a happy conclusion to the Turner family's tragic story," Alison Swartz, director of property management for Edgewood Properties and project coordinator for the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" project, said.

About Edgewood Properties
Founded in 1992, Edgewood Properties is one of New Jersey's most active residential and commercial development companies, bringing a hands-on approach to all the projects it develops, leases and manages. Principals Jack Morris and Sheryl Weingarten Morris continue a proud family tradition of providing homebuyers with outstanding quality, superior design and unsurpassed customer service. They bring the same commitment to excellence to their commercial, retail and office developments.

Edgewood Properties has been designated as the redeveloper of many towns and cities throughout New Jersey. As a private, family-owned company, Edgewood is known for building quality developments that bring jobs, ratables and vitality to local communities.

About Century 21 Construction Corporation
Founded in 1968 by Anthony J. Marino, chief executive officer, Century 21 Construction has built a solid reputation on its commitment to quality and a passion for client satisfaction. During the last two decades, Joseph Marino, the founder's son, has diversified and substantially grown the company in his role as president, transforming it into one of New Jerseys top general contracting and construction management firms.

While the company's growth has been substantial over the past three decades, the founder and senior executives still play a hands-on role managing the company's operations.

Joseph Marino is also the founder and principal of JMP Holdings Corporation, which is one of New Jersey's premier residential and commercial real estate developers. JMP Holdings is currently the developer of some of the state's leading properties.

About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

This year ABCs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition earned an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program. It is one of the most watched programs in the nation and is produced by

Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman. The show airs on Sundays (8:00-9:00 p. m. ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Media Notes
Media are welcome on site for the duration of the build; press ID is required and advance notice is recommended. Press releases about the builders will be distributed on site, via e-mail and through the above media contact. Interviews with the builders can also be arranged through the above media contact. For more information, visit the builders' Web site at www.extremehome-nj.com.