Volunteer Spotlight: Darcie Oursler

Darcie became involved with the Extreme Makeover project through Kristen Ward (another popular volunteer). Kristen was familiar with Darcie's work because they had recently worked together on a project for the March of Dimes. "She told me about the Extreme & I said yes," said Darcie, who is actually working as the marketing liaison with AutoMasters.

Darcie was even more excited about the project because of the family. When she saw the profile video she thought they were a fantastic, very deserving family.

Although Darcie was involved from almost the day we found out about Extreme Makeover, her employer (Auto Masters) was excited about the opportunity and agreed to give Darcie paid leave from her regular job to be available on site every day during the build. Her contribution to the project includes: organizing food for the catering tents (along with Kristen), arranging for the dry storage truck and cold storage truck, soliciting donations for drinks, bottled water, arranging a band for the fundraiser, helping with set up at the fundraiser, coordinating the wrap party and collecting funds for the wrap party.

"Everyday I would go to the site and check in with Lisa (Nelson, Derby Rec Center), Kristen (Farmers Insurance Company) and Deb to see what was needed, played the gopher and helper's helper," says Darcie.

"The best part (of the project) was the caliber of volunteers, their attitudes and the enthusiasm that everyone had about this project. It was such an uplifting affair."

She also got to meet the cast of the show: Jillian, Paige and Paulie. "They were very warm and open. All of them were fantastic. Even the security staff was professional and nice," Darcie stated, then laughed "I didn't get to talk to Ty but he backed up over my foot and apologized, if you can call that conversation."

Darcie thinks the best part of the new home is the dual fireplace with all the messages. "Just being able to open the door and see the amount of love that went into that particular part of the house is really great," says Darcie.

"It was such an amazing experience. I can't imagine not having the opportunity to participate in that as a person and I was thrilled to represent my company to be a part in giving back to the community," said Darcie.

That sentiment will surely be echoed by each and every person involved.