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Feature: Maleno Family-to-Family Fund

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It’s been two months since Clara Ward and her family returned to Erie, Pennsylvania, to see the unveiling of their new home, for the fall airing of ABC Sunday’s hit show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Long gone are the more than 3,200 volunteers who worked tirelessly for 106 hours to demolish, raze and rebuild the two-story house into a brand-new 3,700-square-foot home and Youth Development & Family Center . Gone are the TV crews and celebrities who attracted thousands of fans to the East 21st Street neighborhood for a sneak peek at the final reveal.

But what hasn’t disappeared is the excitement and inspiration that this project has generated in the Erie region – and surrounding area – on how a community can make a difference by giving back.

“I really still feel like I’m floating on air . Just like I’m Alice in Wonderland,” said Ward. “These people came here with just a few days and built this beautiful, beautiful home. And it has so much that I can do with the children. It has so improved my life. It gave me a reason to want to live on.”

“I’m so grateful, and I am happy that they went out into the community and made a difference…” she beamed. “And they promised to help with other communities, so I know they are going to do that.”

Read the entire store in the September 2009 edition of the Business Magazine.