Mandy Watson, right, hugs Christi Branscom, president of Grace Construction, the lead builder on the project. In background is Christi's daughter, Grace, after whom the construction firm was named.
Daniel and Mandy Watson, the Knoxville couple who received the new home in January courtesy of the Emmy-winning ABC reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and thousands of community volunteers, said thanks recently with a barbecue dinner for some of the lead folks on the project team.
It was a sweet and touching gesture. Best of all, two of the mothers being helped by Restoration House, the Watsons’ charity for single moms, were on hand with their children to greet the guests and tell what a blessing the non-profit organization — and the Watsons — have been in their lives. Moxley Carmichael was honored to have been selected to provide public relations services for this great community project and Alan and I appreciate the invitation to this reunion of sorts.
Not only did “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” provide a new home for the Watsons and their three children, but the team also built a duplex behind the Watson home that is being used to house some of the mothers enrolled in the program.
Melissa Roberts, one of those women, said that Restoration House not only helped her get on her feet financially, but emotionally, as well. “I’ve grown strong here at Restoration House,” she said after dinner, choking back tears. “I’ve become independent. Restoration House has given me back my self-worth.”
Cortny Bean, another of the mothers in the program, offered similar sentiments. Because of her involvement with Restoration House, she said, she was able to get back her son, Braxton, whom she had given up for adoption at a time when she was desperate. “I know that with great gifts come great responsibilities,” she said. “I have been given a great gift and I intend to give back. ‘Extreme Makeover’ has restored my faith in people.”
Agreements with the producers of the television show prevent photos from being made public of the inside of any of the houses, so these pictures of the evening had to be very closely shot so as not to spoil the surprise when the program airs near Thanksgiving of this year. But we were allowed to tour the homes and I will tell you this: the inside of the Watson house is spectacular! Don’t miss the show when it airs this fall on local ABC affiliate WATE, Channel 6.
Thank you signs lined the street as we approached the Watsons' home for the party.
Here's the house.
Kristin Grove, left, of Johnson Architects was the architect for the house. Kim Henry was volunteer coordinator for the project, a massive job.
Jonathan and Lori Gano of Heritage Homes and Designs were on the build team.
These sweet signs, written by the Watson family, were on each table.
This one was made by their little girl, Ava.
Christi and Grace talk with Daniel Watson.
Scott Branscom, the chief operating officer of Grace Construction and Christi's husband, gets reacquainted with Lila, the Watsons' dog.
Gina Changas, center, was VIP coordinator for the project. Kim Henry is on the left and Mandy Watson on the right.
Daniel Watson with Kevin and Carol Reeve
Mark and Patty Cummings of ProBuild
Sunflowers were the perfect centerpieces -- so cheerful.
The Watsons' younger son, Silas, chats with Jonathan Gano.
A video of the build brought back memories of hardships (rain, snow, hail, lightning and mud!) and triumphs.
Johnson Architects CEO Darryl Johnson and his wife, Lynn
Scott Rainey, left, of Keystone Construction, and Brandon Anderson of 11/11 Construction
Silas gets a little help from his mom.
Tim and Melanie Burch: he was lead project engineer for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
From left, Sue Tyler of Van Tyler Excavating, Tammy Houk, Kevin Campbell of Van Tyler Excavating, and Bill Houk of BHE, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Hawkins
Myron Tipton, left, of East Tennessee Land Surveyors, with his son, Chancey, and a friend.
Music was by Sarah Ann Roberts and Bill Wolf. Sarah Ann is the daughter of one of the mothers in the Restoration House program. "Daniel and Mandy didn't just say 'thank you' and close the doors," she said. "They opened the doors and the windows and let everyone in."
The two mothers who addressed the group: Cortny Bean, left, and Melissa Roberts
The personal stories they told moved many of us to tears.
Listening
And then it was dessert time! Three different desserts were served in little mason jars.
Isn't this a perfect idea for a picnic?
Laura Maddox, left, and Heather Dodge with Daniel Watson.
Ava, the Watsons' daughter
Atley, their older son
I like this photo of the Branscom family.
If you’d like to reminisce about the “Extreme” build, this Facebook page is fun: click here. Or, click here, for more background on the Watson family and Restoration House. Click here for a recent update story by Tearsa Smith of WATE.
What a great night!
A nice family. I can’t wait to see the show in November.
I’m so sorry I had to miss this. As part of the Extreme team we worked long and hard to get the Watson Family considered for a makeover, and all of the stars aligned. I’m just so happy for them and so proud. A happy side effect is their continued friendship from being involved with this makeover.
Sorry I had to miss the reunion. The EMHE was an unforgettable experience.
How sweet is this story? Thank you so much for all your kind words. It was a total privilege to share this event with you all. There is a part of me that is happy the show doesn’t air until November just so we have excuses to continue to reunite this fun and amazing group of inviduals. Thank you again for your presence!
Thanks again for having us, Mandy. Karen, it sure would have been fun if you had been there. You, too, Gay.
Thank you, Cynthia, for the beautiful summary of a beautiful evening. It has been a pleasure working with you on this project.
Nice working with you, as well, Carol. Looking forward to November!
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives