American Red Cross

“Extreme” food and blood drive to benefit community

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (September 24, 2009) – Mayor Chris Coleman along with TJB Homes Inc., announce today that a food and blood drive will accompany the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build starting on Oct. 2 – 9. The American Red Cross and Neighborhood House will join the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (EMHE) team in an effort to make a difference in the lives of the entire community.

Neighborhood House operates the largest single site food shelf in Ramsey County.  In 2008, the Neighborhood House Food Shelf had over 7,500 visits by families in need and distributed over 554,000 pounds of food. Demand at the food shelf is growing: during the last two months of 2008, 29% more people were served by the Neighborhood House Food Shelf than the year before. There are many people who had never imagined having to use a food shelf but because of a job loss are in need of help. Spectators will be asked to bring a non-perishable donation as the admission to the watch the filming of the show with a goal to raise more than 25,000lbs of food for the Neighborhood House food shelf.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Neighborhood House. Neighborhood House services include the culturally competent Food Shelf, Asian Meals on Wheels, Family Support and Refugee Resettlement, “said Armando Camacho, President of Neighborhood House. "Food shelf use is at an all time high so these donations could not be coming at a better time."

As Minnesota’s largest supplier of blood products and specialized laboratory services to 111 hospitals in Minnesota, western Wisconsin and eastern South Dakota, the American Red Cross hosts convenient blood drives throughout the region for fans to give blood and show their support of the show. Eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or go online to givebloodgivelife.org  to find a blood drive and schedule an appointment.

Following the announcement of the selected family and home site on October 2, additional Red Cross blood drives in the area of the home site will be announced. The Red Cross has set a donation goal of 4,800 blood and 475 platelet donations during the build (October 2-9, 2009) for all blood drives combined. The donation goals are based on the current and anticipated needs of hospitals and patients.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to be a part of something so amazing. Our hope is that people in the community will come out to support the local family, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, TJB Homes, Inc. and the Red Cross by donating blood and platelets,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services Region. “While Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is changing a family’s life, blood donors can also help to save multiple patients’ lives with every donation.”

For more details on how you can volunteer for the EMHE project visit www.tjbhomes.com  

About the American Red Cross
The North Central Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is the largest blood supplier in Minnesota, serving 111 hospitals in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, western Wisconsin and eastern South Dakota. Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts. For more information call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or go to givebloodgivelife.org.

About the Neighborhood House
Neighborhood House is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual center, open to all, and committed to the success of refugees and new immigrants. Providing services in the settlement house tradition since 1897 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Neighborhood House helps people, individuals and organizations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in diverse communities by offering basic needs assistance, educational opportunities and a youth leadership program.  Neighborhood House has been privileged to work with people from more than fifty ethnic populations as they build and sustain productive new lives and has received numerous awards for its programs and responsible fiscal management. For more information, call 651.789.2500 or go to www.neighb.org

About ABC-TVs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which won back-to-back Emmy Awards for Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 7th season on ABC and has helped over 120 deserving families. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. The show airs on Sundays (8 – 9 p.m. EST) on the ABC Television network.

About TJB Homes, Inc.
TJB Homes, Inc. is a family run business located in Blaine, Minn. founded in 1980 by owner Thomas J. Budzynski. TJB Homes, Inc. has been credited with many of the new concepts that are used in the Parade of Homes and Spring Preview and has won several sales and building awards. During his career, Tom has served on the Board of Directors for the St. Paul Builder's Association. As the builder of the Extreme Makeover Home 100th Edition in August 2007, Tom Budzynski speaks to groups about the EMHE Project, Team Building, Leadership, Real Estate or other topics.

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