press room
Shelton Quarles Impact Foundation
On the weekend of March 13 Shelton Quarles and the IMPACT Foundation began a three day long home makeover for two much deserving families. With the help from our friends at Aarons Furniture and Studio M, Tangila Thomas and Guerline Bernard and their families saw their dreams come true and finally received a homecoming they would never forget.
On Friday, March 13 each family was whisked away in a stretch limo to Loews Portifino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Situated right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, Portofino Bay Hotel is just steps from the excitement and fun of Universal Orlando's two amazing theme parks. "Universal Studios was amazing. If you haven't been there, you should go, there was something to do for everyone" says mom, Tangila Thomas. Then after a full day at the parks and enjoying the themed pools a hotels the families went back to their hotels and did something they have not done in a long time. "It was just so nice to sleep in a bed. We have been in our house since November and have been sleeping on floor since. It was the first time we have all slept through the night in months" says Guerline Bernard. This simple pleasure that most take for granted was one most appealing aspects of the entire trip. The kids ran and jumped on the beds; calling dibs before the door could even close.
Back in Tampa, while the families were away, the IMPACT Foundation, Aaron's Furniture and Studio M got straight to work. On Friday, professional painters, Bill Graham and Lisa Cameron offered their services to add a little extra flair to each home. For the last few months, the families were interviewed on their tastes and interior style. Studio M then took this information and it evolved into more than we could have imagined. No detail was overlooked and in the end, each home offered its own appeal and unique style. With color schemes and themes in mind and the brilliant direction from Studio M, the walls were painted, the cupboards were filled and the fun was just beginning!
By Saturday morning the house was prepped and Aaron's trucks arrived with plenty of help and furniture to fill the homes. This included brand new beds for the entire family, living room and dining room furniture, a computer and best of all a washer and dryer. Professional artist, Peter Lowes was also on hand to hang artwork. "I know what it is like to not have a place to call your own. I also know what is like to have a place that is your own, and I am just really excited for these moms to see what is in store for them" says Quarles. Aaron's staff spent the day at these homes delivering, setting up and cleaning up all the furniture. "Programs like Mother's Day Miracles is a great example of giving a hand up to those who have worked hard at making their dreams come true. We are proud to be associated of with Shelton and his efforts to help these moms with their new lives. Aaron's is committed to embracing each community by giving back to its citizens" says Sybil Elie from Aaron's Furniture.
On Sunday, the final touches were made and the families were welcomed home by the entire team from Studio M, our partners from Aaron's Furniture and the IMPACT Board Members. "I was just so nervous all day. Driving up the house and seeing all the people that were there waiting for our arrival was just such a shock and it just hit then and there. My life is about to change and it was scary and exciting all at the same time. Then after opening the door and seeing the beautiful furniture, I just couldn't believe that this was my home" says Tangila Thomas. "I am just so grateful to everyone who made this happen for me and my son.
After leaving the first home, the limo then invited everyone over to the Bernard home for the next big reveal. As Shelton escorted the family into the home, Guerline, her mother Luecia and the kids were overwhelmed by the drastic but impressive change that they could now claim as their own. "When we left here on Friday, I knew that things were going to be different for me and my family. My expectations were not only met, they were exceeded and I really just can't believe that God has brought Shelton and all these wonderful people into my life. I am forever grateful" says Guerline Bernard.
Thanks to our partners for making this such a memorable experience for everyone. We have truly changed the lives of these much deserving families and we could not have done it without you!
Partners
- Aarons Furniture
- Catering by Design
- Studio M
- Pepsi
- Mick Pappa
- The Don and Erika Wallace Family Foundation
- Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hyer
- Lisa Cameron
- Bill Graham
- Peter Lowes
Leadership Tampa Alumni:
- Casey Ellison
- Ryan Muldoon
- Rob Ledford
- Chad Tortorice
- John Wakefield
