Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Lexington Homes - From the Heart

Early this morning, the Lexington Homes team of hundreds of volunteer workers rallied for the demolition of the Dolan home during the next exciting phase of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

"There are only a few times in life when you are able to make such a difference in someone's life. Lexington Homes is incredibly proud and honored to have this opportunity to help the Dolan family," says Craig Gallagher, president of Lexington Homes, Inc.

"Together we will make it happen. From the bottom of my heart I wish to personally send a huge thank you to everyone who has generously donated their time and resources. So, let's get started!"

The "Braveheart" scene launched demolition by KIMMINS of Tampa, Fla. that took less than three hours. Up next, construction begins on a new Lexington Home to be ready by Sunday when the family returns.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

With such a huge outpouring of help - you may be asking yourself; what can I do?

The "Heart of Gold" fund has been developed and seeded by Gold Bank with an initial donation of $10,000. In addition, Gold Bank announced just this morning that they will match the first $5,000 from community support.

Visit www.goldbank.com, go to any of the 11 area branches or call 813-204-1900 and ask for Charlie Britton, president of Gold Bank or Brenda Poehner, vice president, to make your donation.

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Home Depot Pro Desk Answers the Call

Overnight the Lexington Homes team called on Home Depot for help -- and John Del Rio, pro sales manager for the Park Blvd. store in Pinellas Park, Fla., answered the call. From his home at midnight, Del Rio helped to expedite framing with additional materials needed to successfully pass inspection.

Del Rio drove to Home Depot after hours to open the doors for Lexington Homes and coordinated inventory from four area stores to fulfill the order until 2:30 a.m.

"John went above and beyond for us, and we sincerely thank the pro desk teams at all of the area Home Depots for helping to keep us on track during this extreme build," said Craig Gallagher, president of Lexington Homes.

Lexington Homes continues construction today with interior painting, cabinets and countertop installation, tile and paver installation and additional finishes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Full Back #40 football player, Mike Alstott stopped by the site to cheer on the construction team and thank fans, the community and Lexington Homes.

Pasco County Commission Proclaims Lexington Homes Day

By the Board of County Commissioners
Resolution No. 05-146
As a Resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, Recognizing Lexington Homes and ABC-TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and declaring March 12, 2005, as Lexington Homes/Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Day in Pasco County.

Whereas, Lexington Homes is one of the premier homebuilders along Florida's Suncoast with exceptional homes located throughout the Gulf Coast and Central Florida tailored specifically to the homeowner's individual tastes and preferences; and Whereas Lexington Homes is committed to making a Legacy of Leadership by being a role model of the community charity for the rest of the home building industry.

Whereas Pasco County would like to recognize Lexington Homes, ABC-TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, their partners and the thousands of skilled individuals who dedicated their time and talent to complete this project which demonstrated to the nation the true spirit of giving.

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners in regular session, duly assembled, that said Board hereby recognizes Lexington Homes of Pasco County and ABC-TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project, commends them for their dedication to this worthwhile project, and declares March 12, 2005, as Lexington Homes/ABC-TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Day in Pasco County, and encourages others in the homebuilding industry to follow the lead of Lexington Homes of Pasco County.

Signed by
Jed Pittman, Clerk
Theodore J. Schrader, District 1
Ann Hildebrand, District 3
Pat Mulieri, Chairman
Steve Simon, Vice-Chairman
Jack Marino, District 5

On Wednesday evening, several members of the Pasco County Commission visited the Lexington Homes VIP tent sponsored by Gold Bank for the proclamation presentation.

Paul DiMeo, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition designer (carpenter / attitude) took time to meet and greet with Pasco County officials in the VIP tent and helped little Nathan Baning (son of Lexington Homes superintendent, Michael Baning) with his tools.

Watson Center Visits the Site

Several children from the Watson Center for the blind and visually impaired baked cookies for the construction team. Jamie Dolan is also a participant of the Watson Center program. Megan Burgess, director of operations for Lexington Homes greets the children in the VIP tent sponsored by Gold Bank.

Hunter Wilhelm Visits the Extreme Team

Little Hunter Wilhelm visited the site this morning to show his support. In November 2004, Lexington Homes built and donated a home and raised $120,000 to seed a fund for a lung transplant and now Hunter helps to pass on the "Legacy of Leadership" of community support.

Heart of Gold Donations Coming In

Zach Bonner, age 7 of Brandon, Fla., went door-to-door in his community to raise more than $500 for the Heart of Gold Fund. On the site this morning, Zach, his mother Laurie and sister, Kelley presented the cash donations to Charlie Britton, president of Gold Bank and Craig Gallagher, president of Lexington Homes. Zach will continue to raise funds and hopes that more people get involved and make a donation.

"All donations, large and small, are greatly appreciated to help the families," says Charlie Britton, president of Gold Bank.

As a matter of fact, Keller-Williams Realty of Pinellas County contributed $500 and has offered a friendly challenge to all area REALTORS® to make a matching donation.

The "Heart of Gold" fund has been developed and seeded by Gold Bank with an initial donation of $10,000. In addition, Gold Bank announced that they will match the first $5,000 from community support.

Visit www.goldbank.com, go to any of the 11 area branches or call 813-204-1900 and ask for Charlie Britton, president of Gold Bank or Brenda Poehner, vice president, to make your donation.

Gold Bank has 32 locations in 4 states with $4.3 billion of banking assets and $1.3 billion assets under management and administration. Gold Bank has a serious commitment to Florida having announced the development of nine new locations between Tampa and Fort Myers.

Thanks to WQYK 99.5 FM Morning Show host Skip Mahaffey, along with Les, Rita and Braden who have been providing daily updates on all the activities of Lexington Home's extreme build this week. Each morning Charlie Britton of Gold Bank and Craig Fiebe of Lexington Homes join the morning show to provide listeners with exciting news on the construction and the Heart of Gold Fund.

Southeastern Guide Dogs Fund Raising Event

Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5 to 8 p.m. Beyond building a new home for the Dolans, Lexington Homes supported Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., in providing Mr. Dolan with a guide dog so he
may gain greater independence and mobility.

Together, Lexington Homes, Radio Shack, and Olympia Catering will be hosting a fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., on Friday, March 11, 2005 from 5 - 8 p.m. in the VIP tent on the construction-site in support of our organization.

Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. is inviting you to attend this exclusive one time event. Tickets are $200 per person with 100 percent going toward the breeding, raising, and training of the guide dogs.

To reserve your ticket please call Lindsey Nickel at 1-800-944-3647 (Dogs).
Robert E. DeBusk, Executive Director
Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

On Deck for Tomorrow

Doug Waechter, Seth McClung and BJ Upton of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will be on the site late Friday afternoon to meet the extreme construction team and fans. Players plan to bring memorabilia for auction; with all monies raised to support the Heart of Gold Fund.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Governor Bush Visits Lexington Homes Extreme Team

Governor Jeb Bush stopped by the site on Saturday afternoon to tour the brand new home built by Lexington Homes for the Dolan family to show his appreciation and support. Joining him on this exclusive tour were several members of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design team, workers, production staff and community leaders.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all those observing March 12, 2005 as Lexington Homes Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Day in the State of Florida.

"Move that Bus" - The Big Reveal on Sunday

The crowd is growing and excitement is building. The Dolan family is planning to return to their brand new home built by Lexington Homes on Sunday, March 13 between approximately noon and 5 p.m. The community is invited to participate in this exciting event to help the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team to "Move that Bus!" and welcome home Jamie and his family.

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has generously donated complimentary shuttle service from the Tyrone Mall to the public viewing area on Sunday with continual service from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

$27,000 Raised for Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

"Our sincere thanks goes out to the entire community and all participants of the fund raising event last night at the Lexington Homes VIP tent sponsored by Gold Bank. We raised nearly $27,000 to fund the extensive compatibility and training program for Lexie, Jamie's new guide dog," Kimberly Marlo, director of development Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

J.T. (Skip) Payne of Optimart was one of the top donors by providing a check in the amount of $10,000.

Paul DiMeo, designer for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition autographed Lexington Homes hats and T-shirts for auction which raised more than $1,600.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

The Dolan Family Returns - Move that Bus

Record breaking crowds, estimated at more than 10,000 people strong, lined the streets of the Dolan's Bay Pines neighborhood on Sunday to welcome home the family and unveil the nearly 5,000 square foot home, built in 79 hours by Lexington Homes.

The crowd roared, "Move that bus."

A burst of cheers and applause was quickly followed by hushed silence as Chrissy Dolan quietly spoke to her husband James to describe their new home standing before them. James was blinded last November in a tragic shooting at his workplace.

"Thank you everyone for fixing our house," the Dolan's oldest son, Charlie, 12, shouted as he waved to the thousands of fans.

"It's been an extreme week and we are so proud to have this opportunity to help make a positive impact on their lives and bring the community together for such a deserving family," reflected Craig Gallagher, president of Lexington Homes.

Legacy of Leadership and Community Support

With the support of 145 companies and more than 1,200 dedicated workers and volunteers, the Dolan home was complete in 79 hours and the legacy of leadership continues. In the next few weeks, Lexington Homes will co-sponsor several events with Pinellas County, Pasco County, St. Petersburg, Tampa and others to ensure the hundreds of stories are told. This process will culminate with a 'Viewing Party" hosted by Lexington Homes.

For day by day photos, fun facts and more about the Lexington Homes Extreme Team, visit: www.lexingtonhomesinc.net.

Register your email address to be notified of the additional special events and the airing date for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featuring the Dolan family and Lexington Homes.

AmeriLex Foundation Formed to Provide $100,000 Dolan Family Gift

Having completed another charitable build, "Hunter's House", the owners of Lexington Homes recognized the importance of creating a sustainable program of giving. Dan Bicz, CFO and Land Partner of Lexington Homes recommended to owners Craig Gallagher and Craig Fiebe to create a foundation to serve as a model for the home building industry. Al Brenner and Jim Hallihan of AmeriElite quickly agreed to partner with Lexington Homes and create such a program.

As a result, the AmeriLex Foundation was created to not only provide the Dolan family with transitional assistance but to promulgate future giving.

In addition, the AmeriLex Foundation created a Humanitarian Award in honor of Hunter Wilhelm to give recognition to individuals and organizations who perform profound charitable actions. The first Hunter's Humanitarian Award was given to the Executive Producer of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Tom Forman, for creating a national phenomenon in the cause of charity. Nominations for the next Hunter's Humanitarian Award will soon be accepted.

AmeriElite and Lexington Homes are partners for the Reunion development project (Phase 2 of Disney's Celebration). AmeriElite is based in Orlando, Fla. and New Jersey and is headed by Al Brenner and Jim Hallihan and boasts a Wall Street partner.

Additional Family Gifts Keep Coming

Following the big reveal and the return of the Dolan family, the Extreme Team from Lexington Homes announced several additional gifts generously provided by area companies including; Florida Energy Department, Progress Energy, Mercury Insurance Group, Healthy Home Charitable Cleaning Services, Dr. Kaineg and Insoft, Aidman Piser, Dolce's Salon and Day Spa, Landmark Residential, BrightHouse Networks, Rooms To Go, RadioShack and Gold Bank who provided gifts and support for the Dolan family as well as the families of Kenneth Powell and Joana Cruz, who were also involved in the tragic shooting.

Special recognition and appreciation was awarded to the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Lealman Fire Rescue who were the first responders to the emergency call in November.

Media Coverage

Supporters and spectators cheered and waved signs all week long while ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition camera crews shot the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowd. Show producers said they have received more attention this week than from any other homes they built.

Craig Gallagher, president and spokesperson for Lexington Homes was ready to handle all media interviews, day and night to provide journalists with important daily (and even hourly) construction updates and to tell compelling stories on Lexington Home's role throughout the extreme build.

"Until this experience, I would normally shy away from public speaking and on camera interviews, but I was well prepared and happy to speak from the heart to continue to tell the phenomenal stories that make this build a success," noted Gallagher.

Coverage At-A-Glance

Broadcast:
More than 50 on-air stories about Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ran during the entire week of the extreme build including all major networks with live interviews, captivating images and continual coverage.

ABC Action News
Tampa Bay's 10 News / CBS
News Channel 8 / NBC
FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Bay News 9
Univision 62
WB / WTTA Channel 38
Pinellas County Government TV

Major Daily Newspapers:
The Tampa Tribune
Three Front Page Cover Stories
Op-Ed Story
Daily Coverage with Photos

St. Petersburg Times
Front Page Cover Story
Three City & State Section Front Page Cover Stories
Daily Coverage with Photos

Additional Print Coverage:
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Seminole Beacon / Tampa Bay Newspapers, Inc.
Herald Tribune
Hernando Today
Bradenton Herald
Dream Homes Publications
HVAC Insider Newspaper
Tile Trader Magazine

On the Radio Air Waves:
WQYK / 99.5 Tampa Bay's County Music Station
Daily on-air interviews on the Morning Show with Skip Mahaffey along with Les, Rita and Braden
Magic 94.9 FM
The Joy FM
Spirit 90.5 FM
NewsTalk 1040 AM
NewsRadio 970 WFLA

Lexington Homes

Established in 1995 by Craig Gallagher and Craig Fiebe, Lexington Homes, Inc., is building throughout Central Florida and the Gulf Coast. The communities in which Lexington Homes builds are in some of the most desirable locations across the Bay area and Lexington Homes offers a wide variety of home plans for the Florida lifestyle. Just as every block and beam contributes to the integrity of a home's construction, every home built by Lexington supports the foundation of our reputation as a builder. A reputation we've been crafting for the better part of a decade. It's likely that very reputation is what brought you to Lexington Homes. We want it to bring your friends as well.

We take your dreams to the extreme.
www.lexingtonhomesinc.net

ABC Television Network - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman. The show airs Sundays (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Media Resources
Media tent open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 9 through Sunday, March 13. Executive interviews and tours available (media credentials required).

On-site Media Contacts / Bennett & Company
Laura Richeson / 407-467-7912 (cell)
John Riddle / 407-467-7905 (cell)