The nomination period is officially open and residents are being encouraged to nominate someone they know for Love Oakdale’s Extreme Home Makeover.
“Love Oakdale is taking on its biggest project ever; our version of an Extreme Home Makeover,” explained Love Oakdale Director Lisa Kjeldgaard. “We are looking for a family in Oakdale whose home could use some love. If you know someone who meets these guidelines, tell us about them.”
The nomination period is from March 25-30.
To qualify for the makeover project, the family must:
Own their home located within Oakdale city limits;
Have at least one child living in the home;
Be willing to move out of their home for two weeks beginning April 25 (housing provided) and accept help from local contractors and volunteers.
Also, participants must sign a waiver allowing photos and videos of their family and home that will be shown on social media and other platforms.
Kjeldgaard also noted that the nominees must have “a demonstrated need they are unable to meet on their own along with a compelling story” as to why they should be chosen.
The timeline for the nominations is short, said Kjeldgaard, running just Wednesday, March 25 through Monday, March 30.
On April 1, three finalists will be notified and asked to fill out a formal application.
“All three finalists will have some work projects completed at their home,” Kjeldgaard added.
The announcement of the Grand Prize winner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 with the formal ‘move out’ day set for Saturday, April 25 as part of the Love Oakdale citywide volunteer day.
Kjeldgaard said there are a number of people already on board to assist with the makeover.
The local contractors involved so far include: Russ Gerber, General Contractor, The ADU Coach; Dan Sibley, Western Plumbing; John Montes, John’s Premium Painting; Eddie Eagleton, Oakdale Heating and Air Conditioning; Austin Sprague, Platinum Duct Testing; Justin Wells, JSW Electric; Chris Kjeldgaard, KJ Custom Farming; Javier Olmedo, CenCal Junk Services; Sheryl and Scott Larson, Abbey Carpet and Interiors; Jamie and Chris Dray, Dray Heating & Air.
The scheduled Home Reveal Celebration is set for Saturday, May 9.
“The inspiration for this really started with the DeHart Plumbing, Heating & Air project that happens for Love Modesto each year. Each year they ask local non-profits to nominate families and during Love Modesto’s volunteer day, DeHart installs a new HVAC system in one lucky family’s home,” Kjeldgaard explained. “Austin Sprague and I were chatting about their project years ago and he said to me, ‘We could do that here; but bigger.’ That’s all it took. The idea has been rolling around in my mind for a while and this is the year it’s going to happen.”
Love Oakdale is looking for more people to step up and help, whether subcontractors, volunteers, sponsors or donors, and all donations are welcome.
Kjeldgaard said there is one $7,500 Extreme Sponsor package available, along with four Cornerstone Sponsor packages available at $2,500 each. The sponsorships come with a variety of recognition opportunities.
Kjeldgaard directed people to LoveOakdale.com to nominate someone or to sign up as a sponsor or donate to the cause. Those interested are also asked to email weloveoakdale@gmail.com if they want to get involved in the Home Makeover project.
“We have no doubt God is going to lead us to the right family and that by transforming their home, we’ll be able to bring some hope to them as well,” Kjeldgaard shared. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible team that has gathered together so far and we can’t wait to meet the family that we get to help.”
