Murfreesboro Diamond

Extreme Makeover: Collins family will receive new home by Monday February 21, 2007 - No reporter cited

By Brett Graves and Heather Grabin

It all began months ago when Mitchell Collins was nominated for the Volvo for Life competition. Soon after reading Mitchell’s information, people began nominating the Collins’ family for ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’.

Kim Collins was notified that they were in the top five picks for this year’s programs and under extreme secrecy, a plan was carried out that involved many people.

On Monday, February 19, the Collins’ family was awoke to the sound of, “Good morning Collins family!”

Dennis and Kim Collins, their son Mitchell, and their adopted children Michael Dalton, Ashley Cullen, Peter Saygnaphay, Megan Cullen, and Lindsey Cullen were awesomely surprised.

When asked about her first thoughts, Kim Collins stated that she was worried about the other four families who did not get picked.
After the family had met the team of builders, as the ground work was being set up for the show, the Collins family was preparing for their vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Technicians, designers, producers, and crew members were constantly moving around the neighborhood getting the best photo shots and camera angles for the show.

Some of the designers of the Collins home include Eduardo Xol, who has been with the show for three years, Michael Malani, who is one of the original six designers for the show, Tanya McQueen, who has designed interiors for two years, and, of course, Ty Pennington.

Visitors may begin entering the site Wednesday afternoon at noon. There will be a shuttle bus going to the site. The shuttle bus will be leaving from the Sun Printing parking lot in Murfreesboro beginning at noon Wednesday through 7 p.m. From Thursday on the shuttle bus will be giving rides from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Visitors must walk 1/4-1/2 mile distance to get to the site.

No concessions or water are available at the site.

Visitors are asked to donate soda pop tabs at the site to help Mitchell Collins with his collection. Mitchell is very active in 4-H and he saves and gathers these tabs to help with expenses to meet the needs of children in the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

A tentative schedule has been given for construction highlights. It is as follows:

Wed., Feb. 21-Demolition begins at noon.

Thurs., Feb. 22-Foundation, framing, and roofing.

Fri., Feb. 23-Electrical, plumbing, painting, trim, exterior.

Sat., Feb. 24-Flooring, appliances, cabinetry.

Sun., Feb. 25-Interior finishes, landscaping.

Mon., Feb. 26-Reveal, family arrives between noon and 3 p.m.

Anyone with a valid CDL that is interested in driving the shuttle bus or anyone who is interested in volunteering to work at night Wed.-Sat. should contact Murfreesboro City Hall at (870)285-3732. Volunteer work will include several miscellaneous activities that include painting and clean-up.

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