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By Hannah C. Bealer, Staff Writer Updated 11:02 PM Friday, July 24, 2009

CENTERVILLE — At 8 a.m. Friday, July 24, nearly 650 volunteers filed into Far Hills Community Church to hear “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Executive Producer Conrad Ricketts discuss the popular ABC show.

Five local families are finalists. The identity of the winning family will be kept secret until Thursday, when it is notified by host Ty Pennington’s “door knock.”

Nicole Baumer, a high school freshman from Bellbrook, attended the pep rally with her mother and three of her friends.

“We just wanted to help,” Nicole said. “We love the show.”

Lynette Crase and Rayanne Allen, two friends from Preble County, also attended. Allen says she watches the show whenever she can. “You never know when you’re going to need the help, too.”

On July 31 or Aug. 1, the build will begin. The team has 106 hours to build a house from the ground up. Despite the time limit, Ricketts said they have never left a house incomplete.

During the rally, Ricketts recalled the beginnings of the series and spoke about the day he came across a rundown house in California. The house, he said, was not maintained because the mother had to pay for her daughter’s hospital bills. He then realized what he wanted the show to be about.

“It raises awareness about volunteerism and citizenship,” he said. “It also helps to build a better nation.”

Conventry Fine Homes is donating its services. “The neat thing about this is that we get to see someone in need, and their needs get answered,” said Ron Arnold, company president.

Arnold is a fan of the show. “I feel blessed to have been chosen to do this build,” he said. “Conventry Fine Homes is just a small piece of it. It really depends on everyone else.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9370 or hbealer@DaytonDailyNews.com.