A few years ago, a Cazenovia woman applied to be part of the TV show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" after her husband was killed during a school shooting.  When the reality TV show turned down Sue Klang for a home makeover, her friends and the community stepped up to help build a new house. Community support in donations and services helped build the new home.

"You don't realize how much people care about you and how you're doing and then something like that happens and it's like, 'Wow.' It's very heartwarming," Klang said.

Makeover Madness Mania is designed to once again reveal that community spirit, so that neighbors can help neighbors every year, sharing the attitude that makes us all so proud of the area we live in. The purpose of the program is to rekindle the excitement of the Extreme Makeover fever to build community involvement and pride in local spring fix up/cleanup projects for valued members of Richland Center who have given so much over the years, and now need the community to give a little back.

In our first year, we have three specific goals to attain, under the titles of Rebuild, Rehab and Refresh.

The Richland Chamber & Development Alliance will spearhead a complete ‘skilled’ rebuild/remodel/refurbish project to enhance the image of Richland Center along the main thoroughfare. Funding for this program comes courtesy of Hybrid Redneck from their Screaming Half Mile snowmobile races, taking place on February 19-20.

The Neighborhood Housing Services is championing 2-3 ‘cosmetic’ rehabs for families who need community support in today's economy.

The Richland County Ministerial Association will oversee 10-12 ‘Unskilled’ community assistance refresh projects for elderly or infirmed residents. Funding for this will come partially from the Capital Wealth Advisory Group Foundation, along with other community resources.

We want to involve a minimum of 75 volunteers who will work directly on these projects, and at least 120 who have an impact on the completion of this event.

For more information on Makeover Madness Mania, call Mick Cosgrove at (608)-647-8842.