Extreme Makeover Home Edition will build Clara Ward new house at 650 E. 21st/Erie, PA
The anticipation in the Erie community had grown to an extremely high level for days leading up to Ty Pennington's arrival at Clara's home yesterday afternoon. Details along with video and photos are available at the links I have included below. First, I would like to share Clara's love of children with you. The children in the graphic below look like normal, happy children however that is not how Clara felt growing up. Today she is determined to change the lives of as many Erie children as she can.
Clara Ward is the founder of the Youth Development Center in Erie, PA. Here she taught the abused and neglected children who came to the Center to sew, exercise and play together. She often used her own money to provide for the needs of the children. Each year Clara hosted a Christmas party for up to 400 children. Why? When Clara was a child she did not feel loved and now wants to make as many children as possible feel that someone cares.
Clara has been wheel-chair bound since 1988 due to rare degenerative muscular disease and presently lives with her daughter. Her home on 21st Street is falling apart and has been further damaged by vandals in the neighborhood. The trials and numerous challenges faced by Clara in her quest to help the forgotten children of Erie bring tears to my eyes and makes my heart break.
Watch it: www.goerie.com/video
Hear it: Interviews with Clara Ward & John Maleno, builder www.goerie.com/audio
Photos: www.goerie.com/gallery/makeover
Updates: www.goerie.com or www.yourerie.com
No spectators: Traffic is blocked off around the site as preparations are being made for demolition.
Spectators: Sunday--Thursday 8 am-8 pm.
Admission: Bring one canned food item and one book
I plan to visit the site on Sunday after my husband's family reunion. I will take pictures and post an update.
Thursday: Move that bus!
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Pennsylvania Real Estate classes available through Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate www.alankells.com Mary Yonkers
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