3 months ago
As if getting a new house from ABC's Extreme Home Makeover television show wasn't enough, Delores Powell and her four children have more reasons to give thanks.
Rich products will keep their fridge full of food. "And we're gonna keep it stocked all year long, and we're so happy to continue to do that," said Jamie McKeon, vice president of marketing for Rich's consumer brands division.
Canisius College pledged to give all four children full scholarships, plus one more to Delores. "I understand one of your regrets in life is that you, yourself, never pursued a college education. So, the certificate states that Cansius College will also make a full tuition scholarship available to [Delores]," said Rev. Vincent Cooke, Canisius College President.
They now have something to put in their new driveway too. "Ms. Powell, family, we would like to present you with a 2010 Ford Fusion," said Tony Helta, general manager of West Herr New York.
Ms. Powell says the generosity is almost too much. "Can one human heart take so much excitement? I've learned how strong the human heart is. Oh my God, my heart is overflowing," Powell said crying.
Her children are just as grateful. "I've always promised myself that would definitely go [to college]. Now that I don't have to worry about tuition, it is kind of relieving. I'm so excited, I can't wait," said Gabrielle Powell.
"When I heard that, I was just overwhelmed. It blew me away," said Joel Powell.
While the Powell home got most of the attention, more than 5,000 volunteers from AmeriCorps and people from all backgrounds, renovated or made repairs to dozens of homes in the neighborhood.
David Stapleton, who built the Powell house, promised to continue similar projects in the city. "I don't know how, I don't know what exactly yet. We're trying to rest up from what we just accomplished, but I want to pledge of what we can do to further this process."
"Let us get out there and work together in unity and build Western New York, the city of brotherly love, the city of good neighbors," Powell said.
During the extreme makeover week, people donated more than 35 tons of food, a few hundred pints of blood were donated, and 119 trees were planted in the neighborhood.
You'll get a chance to see the inside of the Powell home when the reality home makeover show airs its Buffalo edition sometime in early 2010.
