An amazing reveal; Family shown its new bathroom and other remodels through program
Published 10:30 pm Saturday, March 25, 2017
The brand new sink installed by T ’N G Plumbing for Terra Gorman and her family as part of the Pay It Forward program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Terra Gorman hugs Gina Grundmeier after seeing both her newly remodeled upstairs bathroom and her new downstairs bathroom, done through the Pay It Forward program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The sink and vanity, newly installed in the downstairs of Terra Gorman’s home. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Jaxon Gorman tries out the new camoflage bedding he received through the Pay It Forward Program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Terra Gorman takes in her family’s new bathroom Friday, remodeled through the Pay It Forward program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Terra Gorman and her children Jaxson, Griffon, right, and Madalynn, by the door, wait to go in and see their new bathroom remodel Friday made possible through the Pay it Forward Program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The newly remodeled bathroom of Terra Gorman and her children through the Pay It Forward Program spearheaded by T ’N G Plumbing. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Friday had more than its share of poignant moments for Terra Gorman of Austin.
First: “It was my last day of student teaching — and that was very emotional,” she said, as she stood outside of her home on the sidewalk.
And, after a week of staying in the Holiday Inn, she returned to her home to see her bathroom remodel, thanks to Pay It Forward.
Pay It Forward is a nonprofit organization established by Gina and Todd Grundmeier, owners of T ‘N G Plumbing of rural Dexter four years ago, to provide bathroom remodel help in homes of people in need. The 501c3 organization oversees the donations and in-kind labor that provides the labor and supplies.
Gorman, a single mom, spent the last year in and out of hospitals with her son, Jaxon, who had been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. After a year of treatments, Jaxon has special accommodation needs that were addressed in the remodel.
As she waited with Gina Grundmeier of T ‘N G, she said she had been wondering all day about this moment.
“Everyone has been super excited to see what they did,” she said, referring to Jaxon, her other son, Griffon, and daughter, Madalynn. “We have been trying to guess what it would look like.”
Even she could not anticipate what Gina and Todd Grundmeier, and about 40 other contractors and workers, accomplished in a week’s time.
The family got not only one newly-remodeled bathroom, but a whole other bathroom, too.
Jaxon Gorman tries out the new camoflage bedding he received through the Pay It Forward Program. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“I cannot believe it,” said Gorman, as she realized what was behind a door in her basement, and surveyed the new additional space.
Gina Grundmeier said due to Jaxon’s special needs, they decided to provide another bathroom space downstairs. Workers fixed a cement floor near a brand-new, granite-topped vanity and bumped out a wall to create a small bathroom with a free-standing shower and a new toilet. While Jaxon could utilize the bathroom on the main floor, family could also use the lower level facility.
The upstairs bathroom is tiled in gray, with a new tile floor, vanity and sink, tub and lighting fixtures.
“Oh my gosh,” is all Gorman could say.
Her room also got new paint, new bedding and curtains; the kids’ rooms also got new bedding and accents.
The kitchen got a new vinyl floor and the entry landing to the basement was tiled as well. The home was also provided a new furnace and central air, said Todd Grundmeier.
“I love my bedroom, Gina,” exclaimed Madalynn. Jaxon and Griffon were also in and out of rooms, smiles large.
Gorman could not thank people enough, and hugged Gina, hard.
“Everything looks amazing,” she said. “It’s all so beautiful.”
Todd said the help was plentiful.
“As more people hear about it, the more calls we get each year,” he said. “They’re great.”
Those who participated with the Grundmeier’s included Wagner Construction Co., Matyas Electric, Doors and Floors Inc., M.J. Flaherty Painting, Y Removal, Holiday Inn of Austin, Brick Furniture, D & G Austin Ace Hardware, Goodin Company, Jason Culbert Ceramics, Johnstone Supply, Weis Landscaping and Design, CCI Granite, Endres Window Cleaning, Sears Hometown of Austin, Tim’s Finish Carpentry, Haney’s Handyman Service, Muzik’s Muddin’ and FNM Graphix.
