Home || Contact Us || Site Map

Back to:
News Room



  Beckett Advisors' Sister Company Receives "Extreme" Acknowledgements from President Bush and Other Leaders

January 10, 2007
 
ALTADENA, CA-- Because of their "extreme" pro bono involvement in the recent Redondo Beach "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" build, the staff of Beckett & Beckett, Inc., (www.beckettadv.com), a strategic marketing and public relations firm and sister company to Beckett Advisors, has been acknowledged by President George H. W. Bush with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, and by other civic leaders.
 
Beckett & Beckett's work resulted in:

  • facilitated recruitment of over 3,000 volunteers who helped to build the "Extreme Makeover" home in six days
  • handling of over 1,500 VIPs and members of the press
  • over 25 feature stories in print and on television news shows throughout the greater Los Angeles market
  • a project website www.cornerstonecgextreme.com that contains all information relevant to the build and the unfolding story of LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti's journey to health
  • branding the event for Cornerstone Construction Group, Inc. (the general contractor for the build) and maintaining consistency of message
  • federal, state, and city recognition for the builder, all tradespersons and subcontractors who donated their services
  • new business opportunities for Cornerstone Construction Group.
One unusual outcome of Beckett & Beckett's public relations expertise was the mention from Redondo Beach City Inspectors that zero community complaints were registered during the seven-day around-the-clock build.
 
In anticipation of potential problems, Beckett & Beckett spearheaded a Neighborhood Ambassador Program. These volunteers went door-to-door to spread goodwill and assist those affected by providing an outlet to resolve any concerns. These actions included walking dogs, changing bandages, replacing a lost parking pass, buying earplugs, and arranging for a photo with Eduardo Xol, a celebrity designer from the show. They also delivered donated treats such as flowers, baked goods and performance tickets.
 
With demolition of an old house then construction of a new home that impacted over 100 families, the City office braced for the inevitable complaints - but the phone never rang.
 
A special airdate event, produced by Team Beckett and co-hosted by television personality Sam Rubin from KTLA and radio announcer Laura Brodian from K-Mozart, recognized all the volunteers who participated in the build. More than 100 volunteer leaders were presented with Service Awards. LAPD First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Redondo Beach Mayor Pro Tem John Parsons acknowledged all the volunteers and Officer Ripatti's heroism.
 
At the end of all this, Sharon Beckett and Edward Beckett each received The President's Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. The awards were extended "in recognition and appreciation of your commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service." Their volunteer work on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was yet another chapter in the Becketts' life-long commitments to community support. Beckett staff members received Presidential bronze level awards.
 
Prior to the viewing of ABC's "Ripatti-Pearce Family" episode of the makeover show, the letters from President Bush were presented by Kristina Ripatti and Tim Pearce, the recipients of the new home built entirely by pro bono professionals and volunteers. Their home was constructed with special accommodations for Ripatti, who was shot on-duty and is now paralyzed from the chest down.
 
For the Redondo Beach "Extreme" home, Beckett & Beckett provided pro bono all the foregoing marketing and public relations services to Cornerstone Construction Group, ABC, and ShareFest, who coordinated the volunteers.
 
In addition, at a November 21 Redondo Beach City Council ceremony, Team Beckett received:
  • a Certificate of Recognition from California State Senator Debra Bowen for "your exceptional dedication"
  • a Certificate of Appreciation from City of Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn "you have demonstrated your commitment to improving your community and helping others" and
  • a Proclamation from Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin "for invaluable contribution to the 89th episode of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' that provided national exposure to Redondo Beach and the entire South Bay."

 

 

© 2016 Beckett Advisors || Site current as of: || 800.336.8797 || Site Map || Home || Legal || Our Sister Company