ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” came to Pennsylvania last week and REALTORS® lent a hand in the project.

Nearly 50 members from the REALTORS® Association of York and Adams Counties participated in the build throughout the week, according to Shanna Wiest, government affairs director for RAYAC. One team of 20 REALTORS® worked together last Thursday.

“RAYAC has always been committed to affordable housing and giving back to the community,” Wiest said. “We wanted to be part of this project.”

The home was remodeled for the Keefer family in Etters, PA, whose 23-year-old son, Brian, was paralyzed from the chest down following a gymnastics injury three years ago. Thousands of volunteers throughout the community were involved in the week-long rebuilding process.

REALTORS® were involved in nearly every aspect of the process, from unloading trucks, installing insulation, tearing down a retaining wall, and to preparing the floor for tile installation.

“We worked hard and a lot of the work had to be done by hand because of the limited space,” said Marty Sowa, RAYAC president. “The rebuild was very well organized and it was amazing to see how quickly it all came together.”

“It’s incredible how much work they can get done in one day,” Wiest added. “There are people in every room with specific jobs going on throughout the day. The community involvement was tremendous, with people working through the night. Everyone had a sense of working for this family.”

The RAYAC Foundation donated $1,500 toward the rebuild. The foundation is also in the process of completing its 100th home for Habitat for Humanity.

“It was great to be part of helping this family,” Sowa added. “That’s what we as REALTORS® do every day, we help people.”

The two-hour premier episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will feature the Keefer home makeover. The show is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Sept. 25 on ABC.

By Kim Shindle: Manager of Media Relations and Managing Editor at the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®.