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August 22, 2009

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” HELPS A COMPASSIONATE COUPLE

WHO SPEND THEIR MODEST INCOME ON UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

WHILE THEIR OWN HOUSE CRUMBLES AROUND THEM

On August 22, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Prince George’s County, MD, to tell Nikema aka “Tripp” and Tamara Tripp that their small house, in need of major repairs they can’t afford, will be rebuilt in seven days.  For the “Extreme Makeover” team, along with hundreds of local volunteers, it’s a heartfelt opportunity to give back to a couple who have put the well-being of neighborhood kids ahead of their own living conditions.

Over three decades ago,“Tripp” Tripp’s father ran a bus ministry for the Woodland Baptist Church, hoping to make his rough neighborhood a better place. Now a generation later, Tripp and Tamara are continuing a family tradition of service and generosity.  About 40 kids each week and over 90 children on holidays board the bus for fun and safe activities that have ranged from bowling on a Friday night to flower arranging for Mother’s Day. Tripp, an electrician, and Tamara, a teacher’s aide, serve as Bus Captain and Project coordinator respectively.

More importantly, Tripp, 31, and Tamara, 30, have taken on the role of mentors to many of these children who sometimes look for a sympathetic ear outside the home. The Tripps give of themselves lovingly — but their generosity literally has its costs. Since their church cannot afford to fund the activities available through the “Big Blue Bus,” the Tripps pick up the tab. Earning only modest salaries from their regular jobs, Tripp and Tamara have little left over to repair the crumbling 900-square-foot, two-bedroom, one bathroom, house they share with their young sons Micah, 5, Ethan, 3, and Aaden, 9 months.

The Tripps will go on vacation to Disneyland while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Ed Sanders and Tracy Hutson, local builder Burch Builders Group and G&M Contracting  and community volunteers transform their home.

The location address is: The Tripp Family 5102 West Lanham Dr. Hyattsville, MD 20784

The series is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning.  A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

ABC Media Relations: (Los Angeles)  Jonathan Hogan  (818) 460-7016

(New York)      Mozell Miley      (212) 456-6444

Photography is available at www.abcmedianet.com or at (818) 460-6611

–ABC –