Otterbine Barebo, Inc. a leading provider of aeration and fountain systems, has joined ABC’s Emmy award winning program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (EMHE) to donate two of their most energy efficient aeration systems to the Urban family in Hamburg, PA. The episode, taped July 31st-August 5th, 2010 will air Sunday October 17th, 2010 on the ABC Television network at 8:00pm (E.T.).
Trisha Urban’s story is one of significant challenge, as are most on this show. After moving into an 1800’s log home in need of restoration, and dreaming of having children one day Trisha and her husband Andy were informed that due to health circumstances that they would be unable to have children. In 2008 however, they were elated to learn that Trisha was pregnant … but unfortunately fate had other plans. On February 4, 2009 Trisha went into labor and Andy went outside to feed the animals and lock the gates, never to return home. She found Andy lying dead in the snow at their front gate, and less than nine hours later, Cora was born without a father to welcome her into the world.
A widow and newborn, faced with tragedy and insurmountable debt due to medical costs associated with Andy’s health conditions (he had survived brain cancer and lived with congenital heart defect his entire life,) no Will, and Andy being the sole name on all possessions, were fortunate to have friends and family who started various fundraising events in the community. Jeff Woytovich founded “Helping Care for Cora,” and with the help of key people and a generous community Trisha was able to buy back her home and car from Andy’s estate. A year and a half after the tragedy, with mother and daughter still living in very challenging conditions, Woytovich decided to send Trisha’s story to EMHE.
Contacted on August 2nd by Watkins Architect Firm to inquire if Otterbine would assist with a distressed pond for ABC’s EMHE project, Otterbine visited the site to determine the best solution. Upon evaluation it was discovered that the pond was 50% covered in algae. With sustainability of water quality and long term cost efficiency a factor, Otterbine offered to donate and install an Air Flo System 5, and 1/2HP AquaSeries Deluxe package. Given 1.5 days to manufacture and install 2 aeration systems, including all electrical work, the entire Otterbine organization rallied together to make it happen. “Otterbine is honored to have been asked to participate,” states Carla Ott, President of Otterbine, “we’re a small family business who is fortunate to have a team of generous people with strong values that are eager to help those in need … it was amazing to see everything come together; the stars of the show, volunteers, and companies that donate do a phenomenal job in what seems like an impossible undertaking.”
The aerators were installed by the company’s President Carla Ott, VP of Manufacturing Chris Barebo, and Ott’s husband Glenn Ott.
The Home Builders Association of Berks County took the lead role of coordinating the build. To donate to the Urban family and the building fund, or to view video of the construction visit their website at www.BerksExtremeBuild.com. For Otterbine’s complete story, visit www.otterbine.com/extreme.
Otterbine Barebo, Inc. is a manufacturer of fountain and aeration systems to commercial, residential and industrial customers worldwide. The business has operated out of Emmaus, PA since 1973.
The Emmy-award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00pm – 9:00pm E.T. on ABC network.
