HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

SATELLITE INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THIS YEAR’S JWCP LIVE FROM A HOUSE UNDERGOING CONTRUCTION.

An estimated 3,000 volunteers from the United States and around the world build houses in partnership with families in need at Habitat for Humanity’s annual JCWP – to be held this year in Michigan.

Former comedian and now well-known television personality Ed Del Grande got his start in home improvement television with HGTV shows such as Dream Builders and The Fix. Today, the home improvement expert is one of DIY Network’s busiest hosts with popular DIY shows such as Ed the Plumber and Warehouse Warriors. In addition, he has made numerous appearances on news programs and outlets, such as NBC’s Today, CNN’s Open House, and MSNBC, demonstrating various home improvement projects. He also makes many live appearances across the country as a spokesperson and speaker. In addition, Ed writes a syndicated Q&A newspaper column for Scripps Howard News Service. He is a Habitat supporter and been involved with other Habitat builds, in addition to this year’s JCWP.

MORE ABOUT JCWP: Habitat’s JCWP is an annual, internationally recognized event in which the former U.S. president and his wife, Rosalynn, join Habitat volunteers to build simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with people in need. President Carter’s longstanding relationship with Habitat began in 1984 when he donated one day of his carpentry skills and manual labor at a work site in Americus, Ga., home to Habitat’s international headquarters. Later that same year, the Carters led their first weeklong work project, renovating a six-story, 19-unit building in New York City. Since that event, President Carter has been drawn to Habitat’s efforts to bring hope to people and areas others have abandoned.

In 2005, the Carters and Habitat will lead Michigan in a statewide effort to bring about a spirit of renewal and hope to communities and families in need.

This satellite media tour is sponsored by DIY, one of Scripps Networks’ six lifestyle television brands. In January 2003 at the International Builder's Show, DIY and Habitat announced a national public affairs partnership that focuses on volunteer recruitment and training. The partnership between DIY and Habitat is based on building houses, educating consumers about the home building process, and the steps involved to becoming volunteers. For more information, visit www.DIYnetwork.com/habitat.

B-roll will be provided to participating stations: We will provide satellite coordinates for the opening ceremonies of JCWP – where Jimmy Carter will speak. In addition, we will send Habitat b-roll to each participating station.

TO REQUEST A HARD COPY INTERVIEW WITH ED DEL GRANDE, CONTACT RANDI APPELBAUM AT 212-727-1802 OR RANDIA@DMSWIRE.COM