Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.

News

An Emotional Reveal

Oct 10, 2010

Grommesh family reaction Thousands turned out Sunday to welcome home a Moorhead family who received a new dwelling through ABC television's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

About 8,000 community members lined Eighth Street and 22nd Avenue South to watch the Bill and Adair Grommesh family view their new home for the first time (left). The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" crew said it was one of the largest turnouts they have ever had. The camera crews spent extra time readjusting and even had cameras above the tree line to try to capture the whole group cheering.

Concordia' pep band helped energize an excited crowd that chanted everything from "Move that bus" to "We love you."

The enthusiasm was no surprise to members of the show's production team, as they were impressed all week with the efforts of Fargo-Moorhead citizens. The show brings a crew of 100 and relies on the community to provide the rest.

"This wouldn't be possible without the entire community that floods to make this happen," said one member of the production team.

The house was built in 106 hours thanks to the help of volunteers who included Concordia students and alumni. On Sunday, Paul Dimeo, a designer on the reality program, wore a Concordia bandana (below).

During the reveal, people in wheelchairs lined the front of the crowd perimeter. They had all been impacted by the Grommeshes who are involved in HOPE, an organization that makes activities accessible to children with disabilities. The family exchanged hugs and thanked each one of them.

The Grommeshes and those in the crowd shed many tears during the event. Koty Berg '11, who had been waiting at the Grommesh home since 10:30 a.m., said she cried at least three times Paul DiMeo sporting a Concordia College bandana during the reveal.

"It was nice to see the community come together," Berg said.

This won't be the last time the community comes together for a cause. The crew from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" plans to return again to the area.

"You are an example of how everyone should be treating their neighbors," said one of the executive producers, Brady Connell. "Thank you very much.