This is a guest post written by Chattanooga Team Members Abby Shipley & Tara Williams.
“Welcome Home!” took on many meanings the week of February 13th at the Chattanooga store. For our shoppers, it was a friendly, “Welcome Home to Earth Fare! Have you registered for our new website?” For Chattanooga Team Members, it was a happy “Welcome Home” from our families after working longer than usual hours. And for one Chattanooga area family, it was the roaring sound of thousands of friends and strangers shouting “Welcome Home!”
When the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew told Cooking LIVE Food Coordinator Amanda Varnell to gather her team of food providers, her first call was to Earth Fare. She knew Earth Fare’s commitment to the community and passion for healthy living made us a perfect partner.
Our Extreme week kicked off Sunday with the “Braveheart Walk,” which features the army of volunteers marching to the family’s house on a mission to demolish it. Wearing her Sunday Best, Community Relations Coordinator Abby Shipley checked in at the build site and learned she would be joining the crew that day! So amidst a sea of running shoes and work boots, Abby braved the trek in her red, pointy-toed high-heels.
Bright and early the next morning, trucks delivered boxes of snacks, fresh fruit and drinks to the site. Fresh produce was supplied each day, and the snacks and drinks were replenished on Wednesday for the hungry, hard-working crew. The fresh produce was a BIG hit and several members of the ABC staff commented that they’d never gotten this kind of fresh fruit on any set before.
Our Extreme journey culminated with the opportunity to fill the family’s pantry with healthy Earth Fare food. One of the builders commented that he wanted the family to be able to live in a safe and healthy home. We at Earth Fare Chattanooga were grateful for the chance to be part of this family’s health journey. Welcome Home!
About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.
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More posts from Earth Fare Chattanooga:
What does it take to feed Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteers?
Write Our Theme Song: Runner Up!
