“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” has a lot of new fans here in our community!

We all can thank 2 local teachers for that! Gail Horton and Jason Bendik from North Myrtle Beach Elementary School nominated Renee Wilson to be a recipient of a new home. Renee took in her 4 grandchildren 3 years ago when their mother deserted them.

They have been living in a 2-bedroom mobile home off Highway 90 in Longs in very cramped and unsafe conditions. The teachers, aware of the family situation, had such respect for Mrs. Wilson, in addition to their love for the children.

Ty Pennington, popular host of the show, appeared on the Wilson’s doorstep on January 25th with the news. Not only would the family have a new home, but they also were whisked away to Disney World for a vacation for the 7 days it would take to complete the dream project. A NEW HOME IN 7 DAYS?? It takes 2,000 pairs of hands, 6-7,000 man- hours, and a lot of community support to pull it off.

In addition to the local building suppliers and laborers, Hootie and the Blowfish gave a benefit concert at House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach on Tuesday, January 30. The band, from Columbia, rearranged their concert schedule to do the benefit since a South Carolina family would be the recipients. “This is our way of thanking all the volunteers as well as helping the Wilson family with taxes, insurance and other expected costs,” commented Darius Rucker, lead singer.

94.9 the Surf was invited by special invitation to the concert and was represented by Harvey and Selene Graham and Trish and Wayland Brown. They enjoyed being part of the full house and getting an inside view of the production end of the television show.

The Wilsons are due back from their vacation on February 1.The show will air on ABC at 8pm on Sunday, March 25. Stay tuned…

94.9 the Surf thanks everyone involved with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and all the countless volunteers who have made this dream come true for a family in our community.