Teresa M. Young, president,Sign Biz®, Inc., was approached by Don Smith, owner of Imagination SIGNworks in McKinney, TX, about a production of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Texas. Young’s company founded a worldwide chain of nearly 200 independently-owned digital sign businesses known as The Sign Biz Network. Don’s company is a member.
Everything changed for Zeigler and his fiancée, Jessica Hansen, after Zeigler was shot in the head, left shoulder, forearm and hip at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, where he was getting final medical checks before leaving for Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA. SSG Zeigler was paralyzed after the Fort Hood attack. Instead of pursuing his military career, Zeigler spent the next 10 months battling for his life with Hansen by his side, and is exceeding doctor’s expectations as he is now walking with the aid of a cane.
Young was immediately committed to bringing this cause, known only as “Production #816,” to all Sign Biz Members coast to coast and around the globe. These brick-and-mortar sign companies, together with Imagination SIGNworks, gave Young the confidence to commit to an original goal of $10,000 worth of cash and in-kind donations for the week-long build project.
Even in these tough economic times, and not knowing who the lucky recipient would be, the goal was exceeded. Don Smith shared the good news with the sign chain in an email communication on December 2nd. He wrote, “The Network Members are meeting the goal that Teresa and I set and committed to for the Heart of Texas and Extreme Makeover build event. Our goal – our promise to them originally, was for a total contribution of $10,000, but through your efforts, the assistance of some of our suppliers and Teresa and the entire Sign Biz Network we will reach $25,000!”
EMHE leader, Ty Pennington and designers Leigh Anne Tuohy, Paul DiMeo and Xzibit, worked with local builder Tilson Home Corporation, the Texas Association of Builders and Temple-
Inland Inc. to build the new home. In addition, a wedding the morning of the “Reveal” was designed, so that Ziegler and Hansen could start life in their new home as newlyweds.
The contributions we were able to make are small compared to the sacrifices our armed forces make each day.
– Teresa M. Young
Doyle Simons, chairman and CEO of Temple-Inland Inc., agreed. “We owe so much to the men and women serving in the armed
forces,” he said. “While we can never fully repay them for their dedication and sacrifice, we are honored, humbled and excited to be sponsors of this wonderful project, which will give Patrick and Jessica a new home in the heart of Texas.”
The sign industry as a whole is generous with causes. “Digital sign shops loosen the purse strings when it comes to tugs at the heartstrings,” explained Young.
Digital sign shops loosen purse strings when it comes to tugs at the heart strings.
Young and Smith were able to participate in the Braveheart March for the episode that averages 6.8 million viewers. In her YouTube video address late last month, Young said, “When they say, Move That Bus!! I’ll be there, standing proudly alongside Don Smith, who started all of this with his deep commitment, and I’ll be standing beside all of you in spirit. The Sign Biz Network is kindness in action,yesterday, today, and always.”
“The sign industry suppliers who donated products for Production #816 are Denco Sales (Kris Kliever), Denver, CO; and N.Glantz & Son (Gary Palmore & Joe Salvador), Dallas, TX. Special thanks to Don Smith, who made more than 100 signs and banners, and to all of you who have joined us in making a difference, with your donations to this worthy cause,” said Young.
See video with up close report on this event: