On Sunday, July 10 the signature Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
tour bus rolled into Madison, Georgia where Ty Pennington and the EMHE design team were onboard with the Rucker family. Earlier this year, the eldest of three girls, Anaiah Rucker, jumped in the path of an oncoming truck pushing her younger sister, Camary, to safety. The accident cost Anaiah her left leg, a kidney
and a multitude of other medical complications. Undaunted by this trauma, the rising fifth-grader has spent much of the summer regaining her strength so that she can continue playing sports, singing in the chorus and making straight A's in school. United Bank, in partnership with Pilot Builders, Smart Properties and other local area sponsors, launched the seven-day construction effort after the Rucker Family was whisked away to sunny Orlando's Disney World Resort.
As Anaiah's heroic news unfolded, celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Dwight Howard reached out to her. Following an airing of her story on the Today Show and a link listed on Yahoo news, United Bank's Chairman John Edwards began receiving the first phone calls and emails requesting information about donating to the family. An account at United Bank was immediately established and continues to accept donations for Anaiah Rucker and this recent building effort.
The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition designers and crew had only one week to build a brand new home for The Ruckers that was safe, secure, ADA-accessible and free of obstacles where Anaiah can continue to adapt to her new prosthesis. The 2,300 square foot, three bed room, three bath, Craftsman bungalow features overhanging easements and exposed cedar detail. The landscaping includes a two-story playhouse with built-in hydraulics for boosting Anaiah in her wheelchair and a miniature "Centennial Park-like" sprinkler fountain for quick, hot afternoon cool downs. The house is equipped with the most efficient, energy-saving appliances and utility solutions on the market including four solar panels mounted atop the roof.
This is EMHE's first build project in the Madison-Lake Oconee area. The Emmy-award winning reality program changes lives, families and inspires remarkable community support. United Bank's Madison Division President, Russell Carter, commented, "I’ve always been proud to be an employee of United Bank. When Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to Madison, we had the chance to step up and truly show that we are indeed about supporting our communities. The participation came from our senior management team and throughout the organization – all because of one very brave and beloved little girl."
United Bank hosted the "Rest and Relaxation Tent" on the construction site providing a shady retreat, cool drinks, snacks and first aid supplies to workers and volunteers. Among the 300+ daily volunteers, the bankers also fulfilled a variety of jobs both on and off the camera during the 24/7 timeline.
On Saturday, July 16 a huge crowd assembled along the corner of Commerce Street for the home's final reveal. Following the show's trademark chant, "Move that bus," the Ruckers stood in awe of their newly constructed dwelling.
The Emmy award-winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now entering its 9th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The new season premieres Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Watch for The Rucker Family/Georgia Build Project episode sponsored by United Bank mid-October. United Bank operates 21 offices in Butts, Coweta, Henry, Lamar, Morgan, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties.
Heather Adams (left) shares a laugh with the film crew.
Lane Coggins (right) chatting with Extreme Makeover designer Michael Maloney.
Below, Travis Weed (left) and Clay McDaniel (right) rest during lunch on the set.
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