Eoff Electric Supply got involved last September in an extreme (and slightly spooky) project for the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Ore. The school was featured on an episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover in which a local crew of contractors volunteered their help in building a new dormitory and updating a haunted house.
Eoff's involvement began when Mike Davis, president of electrical contractor Northside Electric, approached Eric Wiesmann, branch manager of Eoff's Salem branch, about participating in the project. “We were given little information about the project when Mike approached us,” Wiesmann said. “I was told that it was for an organization that was a good cause, but was not told who the recipient was. We committed to the project because of our relationship with Northside Electric, a desire to make a difference in the local community, and trust in the show since many of us have seen several of the episodes.”
Eoff Electric went to several vendors to get materials for the project. “Our manufacturer partners really stepped up with us to make this project happen,” said Les Williamson, Eoff Electric president. “We are very grateful for their enthusiastic participation in this great project for Salem and all of Oregon.” Among the manufacturers who stepped up to provide materials were GE, Pass & Seymour, OnQ, Juno Lighting Group, Beghelli, Lithonia Lighting, Encore Wire, Raco, Sylvania and Genesis Wire. In all, Eoff Electric Supply was able to donate approximately $20,000 in materials.
The Extreme Makeover team arrived in Salem on Labor Day and surprised the Oregon School for the Deaf staff. The Extreme Team took on two projects: They built a new modern boys' dormitory and great room, featuring the use of renewable resources and high tech communication devices; and they updated one of the school's primary means of fundraising — the Nightmare Factory Haunted House.
“We had about 30 electricians and staff voluntarily working about 20 hours each on the project,” Davis said. “It was a great experience to work on a project that will have such a positive impact on people in our Salem community for years to come.”
Wiesmann and Eoff Salesperson Larry Miller worked on the project installing recessed lighting trims on lighting that was donated by the Juno Lighting group and Eoff. “We worked about three hours on the dormitory mid-day on Day 6,” Wiesmann said. “I would run up a ladder, throw the packaging on the ground, put the trim in place, and before I got to the bottom of the ladder, the garbage would be picked up by one of the volunteers.
“Working amidst multiple trades on a project can be challenging, which was not the case in this situation. All the trades were working together for the common cause and made room for each other often sharing the same space while installing their respective materials. Being a part of so many community members working together for a great cause was an incredible experience.”