Renton, WA

A local Renton resident is on TV again. First we had Renton resident Tanji Johnson on American Gladiators. Now we have a Renton family, the Hale-Jos, receiving a free home makeover courtesy of Oprah Winfrey. They will be on the show today (Tuesday 11/12) at 4PM.

The show’s producers called the family in November after hearing from Hale’s wife, Kari, about the family’s struggles since she and Dave took legal custody of their three nieces –8-year-old Lily, 10-year-old Izzy and 11-year-old Jade — a year and a half ago. Expenses went up. Remodeling projects were put on hold. Kari quit to take care of her own 2 year old, Ty, and the the three girls. Their 1960s tract house just wasn’t big enough for six, Kari explained.

My own Renton home makeover has been taking closer to a decade. So what was accomplished in two weeks? Renowned home decorator Nate Berkus and more than 100 crew members doubled the size of the home. They added a new bedroom, a second floor, 200 gallons of paint and new landscaping. And more celebrities pitched in as well. The Seattle Seahawks donated muscle and the stars of High School Musical threw in movie props and costumes as gifts to the kids, who fell in love with Berkus throughout the process.

The results will air today in a full hour episode (see photos and details on Oprah’s site).