HomeTeam, Superstation WGN’s reality show that helps deserving individuals make a fresh start, partnered with Cox Communications to help rebuild a Boys & Girls Club in New Orleans that was flooded last year by Hurricane Katrina (www.multichannel.com/article/CA6353906.html).
Every week, HomeTeam, hosted by Troy McClain (The Apprentice), provides deserving individuals or families with The American Dream, a home of their very own. WGN partnered with Cox, and they both reached out to the producers of HomeTeam to suggest a "rebuild" in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Rather than rebuilding only one home, WGN and Cox wanted to do more for the hurricane-ravaged community, and it was Cox that suggested that HomeTeam help to rebuild the local Boys & Girls Club, an integral part of the community.
In an episode taping Sept. 19, the new Boys & Girls Club will be revealed to the community. WGN will air the Boys & Girls Club reveal episode the week of March 19.
Last year, the 7,500-square-foot concrete building that housed the Boys & Girls Club was badly damaged by Katrina. The club offers programs teaching responsibility and provides recreational activities for boys and girls aged 6-18.
HomeTeam contracted with and supplied Project Management Services through Mary Cahill of Smart Spaces Design, who worked closely with Bobby Lee Smith, president and chief program officer of the Boys & Girls Club of South East Louisiana, and the entire Boys & Girls Club organization to redesign the entire facility over the course of the past four months.
In addition, nationally recognized artist Mozelle Spencer was hired to craft a mural for the interior of the club.
Cox is providing computers, printers and other technology-lab equipment to help furnish the club’s learning center. Cox and WGN will provide advertising time to promote a special fund where the public can make contributions, which can be allocated to the rebuild efforts.
With the Superdome right down the street from the Boys & Girls Club, the New Orleans Saints National Football League team, along with AmeriCorps and local volunteers, were participants in this HomeTeam rebuild.The Saints and owners Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc will be present at the reveal Sept. 19. Mayor C. Ray Nagin was also invited to attend.
In addition, HomeTeam will return to New Orleans in February and select a family who will have their home restored as part of an additional show. The recipient will be connected to the Boys & Girls Club either through their work or their association with the club.
