Meet the Winner of HGTV Dream Home 2010
Feeling a bit teary-eyed after watching the giveaway show? Not sure about you, but I adore Myra Lewis! What an inspirational story. Here are a few fast facts:
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Education and Career:
-Myra serves as the Assistant Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, where she develops training programs (life skills, technical and environmental) that target the unemployed and under-educated.
-Myra earned an M.S. in counseling psychology from the University of Florida Gainesville in 1996. She earned her doctorate in counselor education from the University of New Orleans in 2001, specializing in multicultural issues.
-Myra earned a B.S. in science education from Xavier University in 1967, and an M.Ed. from Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer Teacher and Volunteer Leader in Liberia, West Africa, from 1972 through 1975.
Inspirational Story:
-Myra’s home in the Gentilly district of New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. She and her now-25-year-old son, Chris, lived in both Houston and Baton Rouge before returning to New Orleans to live in the Algiers district, one block away from the river. She renovated her original home, which now serves as a rental property.
-Myra’s highly functioning autistic son, Chris, a gifted visual artist, is pursuing an associate degree in fine arts. When she learned of HGTV Dream Home’s proximity to Santa Fe, she dreamed of an early retirement in an area where her son might flourish. See Chris’ Artwork
Giveaway Story:
-Myra has entered the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway for the past several years. This year, she and her sister Deidre Marion Charlot (who lives across the street from Myra) reminded each other to enter every day. Watch Exclusive Giveaway Video
-Myra has traveled to New Mexico twice and says she was “enthralled” by Santa Fe.
-Myra loves this year’s HGTV Dream Home, especially the courtyard, rock columns, tile work and casita (she plans to host many visitors).
-Myra’s family was planning a family reunion in Louisiana. The party location most definitely will change.
The Housewarming Gifts Myra Will Receive:
-All-Clad Essentials Baking Set
-Inside-Out Champagne Glasses
-Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill Cookbook
-Mario Batali Orange Pepper Mill
-Cuisinart 17-pc. Classic Stainless Cookware Set
-Bobby Flay Mesa Grill Seasoning Set
-Talking Remote Meat Thermometer
-Handprint Canvas Kit
-Italian Herb Garden
-Cuisinart Elite Die Cast 14-c. Food Processor
-Countertop Home Theater Popcorn Machine
-5-Day Wireless Forecaster
Myra,
Congratulations!!! I hope that you and son will enjoy your new home!
I pictured myself doing yoga poses in front of the big window of that beautiful sunroom. Oh well, no such luck. But I wish to congratulate Myra! As a NM native, I am proud of my state and it is beautiful here. We welcome you and your family to The Land of Enchantment.
I bless anyone who won that home and I hope they will live there and be happy. However, I do believe that hdtv has changed. I watched Jamie's show way before March 14th when he went to New Orleans. He must have some say so since he joined the corporation. He was enthralled with New Orleans! I loved hdtv when they had real shows on with down to earth people like Clive, David Bromsted, Lisa and the others. You were very generous and real then, Now you are just another corporation who takes write offs and doesnt' care. I wasn't teary eyed at all. I lost my entire home in 1994 in the l.a. earthquake and struggled with a son until I got on my feet by working. I had a degree as well,
but kept working jobs that I would not usually have, have been a children's advocate since I was 16 fighting for the rights of all children, did community service and worked since I was nine. I also was a single parent. That was the most contrived show I have ever seen. Do you realize how many people you could have helped in New Orleans with the price of that home and 500,000? I am older and live in an apartment, but I am happy. Your viewing audience is not stupid and Jamie thinks he is slick. I wonder if he lived in LA in the early nineties? His name sound very familiar. Monica is no longer the sweet thing she used to be. You have Candice Olsen who is glamourous, but down to earth and real. Who is running the corp these days, because something is very wrong.
Nothing is wrong — Only the way we may think — In this case, instead of someone who lost everthing (maybe) in the LA earthquake, the prize was awarded to Myra Lewis from New Orleans — the prize winner out of 40+ million entries –WOW — Yes, it was not you or me..
Are you aware of the monthly expense of maintaining a house of 4000 thousand square feet on 3+ acres of land? The half a million dollars as you know, help to pay the taxes.. It's spent quickly…within seconds…
Remember that sponsors of this high-class sweepstakes do not include the federal welfare department. Let's keep dreaming and keep remembering, in a kind way, as you do, the ones who have gotten by LUCK, what we dream of having… it may not always be the joy we may think…
CONGRATULATIONSA Dr. Myra Lewis !!!
With CORRECTIONS …..
Nothing is wrong — Only the way we may think! In this case, instead of someone who lost everything (maybe) in the LA earthquake, the prize was awarded to Myra Lewis from New Orleans — the prize winner out of 40+ million entries –WOW — Yes, it was not you or me..
Are you aware of the monthly expense of maintaining a house of 4000 thousand square feet on 3+ acres of land? The half a million dollars as you know, help to pay the taxes.. It's spent quickly…within seconds…
Remember that sponsors of this high-class sweepstakes do not include the federal welfare department. Let's keep dreaming and keep remembering, in a kind way, as you do, the ones who have gotten by LUCK, what we dream of having… it may not always be the joy we may think…
CONGRATULATIONSA Dr. Myra Lewis !!!
Shame, shame on the people that are so ignorant as to post such tripe, as mean things. She won fair and square! I am so happy that Myra also used her talent in her proffession and didn’t wait her life in doing nothing and feeling abused as some people do. Let those people read their nasty coments!! Only wish I had the drive Myra had. GOOD FOR HER
I think HGTV set this one up. Make sure she has a degree to actually keep the house, and a heart felt story. Next comes the WE channel movie. About her life and the winning of this house. I wish her the best but come on, how about giving the house to someone who doesn't have a PHD and still has a story like hers?
its getting more interesting everyday on here.you know we do have freedom of speech,an i know people have the right to speak thier minds.but we should not say shut up to know one,because they have thier views.i feel we should though think before we speak,an please dont let your anger eat you up inside it just hurts you more then others.
jealousy, hate, anger, envy are negative emotions. No need for them. It hurts everyone – the one who hates, the one who is being hated, and those who observe it.
i own my home but it wasnt handed to me hubby worked hard for it.we had rentals to but i sold them to much upkeep on them.i know people who rather rent because they like traveling an dont want to be tied down to a home.i see nothing wrong with this.
true.
wow like i said getting interesting, but is a free country to say what your feelings are.i believe in freedom of speech,but we should think before we talk. i am a home owner it wasnt handed to me me an hubby worked hard for what we have.i have bought an sold homes in the last 35 years.i had rentals sold them allot of upkeep on them.i know people who rather rent then own a home because they dont want to be tied down to a home.i feel there is nothing wrong with renting its to each thier own.not every body who rents is bad person. i know those who lost jobs an homes to my heart aches for them.times are hard now we shouldnt bejudging each other but understanding of everyones different needs.i dont think the show is rigged i think everything happens for a reason in life. but we shouldnt tell people to shut up because we dont like what they are saying,we have the right to speak.i am not your judge an jury only god knows are hearts.but after you say whats bothering you move on with life.dont let it eat you up inside its just hurting you more then others.i been there an done it now i just tell myself there is reason for everything that happens in life.winning theese sweepstakes is a long shot an she won it.
so i am going to keep entering for theese homes,i think they are beautiful.who wouldnt love to have a new home.my goodness i dont feel ashame because i own a home already,i am proud we worked hard for it. i dont care if your homeless middle class or rich,you win a home more power to you.because it was meant to be for you to win.an i feel in my heart the show wasnt rigged,i pray it is a honest show.so hang in there because it may be you who win next time.
Amen !!
Myra + I live in Santa Fe and also have and Autistic son, Christopher age 18! I am thrilled for you and your son! Should to want to connect with someone in Santa Fe please feel free to email me and I will give my phone number! Again, welcome to your new community! Pam
It really makes me sad when the inevitable winner is announced and pockets of negativity start to sprout up. The bottom line is, this was a $2M home giveaway which didn't cost anyone who entered a single thing except a few minutes of time every day. It's great to dream, but it appears that too many people actually put a lot of hopes on this and thought they would win. Now when they don't, they are bitter, angry, and engaging in a game of one-upmanship over who has had the harder life and deserved it more.
I'm sympathetic to people who have had hard times, we all have to some extent or another. But how could you not be happy for this sweet woman? She's had heartache, tragedy, difficulty, and works hard to make a difference in the community, all with a graceful smile. Was it random? Almost certainly not. I'm sure they randomly select a pile of names and do background checks and see who has a great story. This is television, folks. But does that make me any less happy for this very deserving winner? No.
She is going to appreciate this house. It's going to dramatically impact her life. It appears she can afford to keep it, so it won't just be a two month ownership with a quick flip to pay off taxes. Not that taking the money is wrong, but this is a home giveaway, not a $2M of cash giveaway. Bottom line…there just isn't any way that HGTV could make this a truly random process. It has to be good television, and they would no more want to give it away to someone who would be crushed by the taxes than a family living in a mansion with 10 cars. I think HGTV got it right this time and I am very happy for the winner. May God bless her and may she enjoy that home.
Myra seems to be nice, has a class, has a son not easy to rise, but who has this great talent. Every person has some story to say, more or less. Bad or good, or mix. No need to hate.
Wishing Myra the best , and her son to be even better!
God knows how much i wanted that house!!!! However, I rejoice with you Myra. It's verry rewarding, enjoy it . I pray that this prize uplift you for much GREATER blessings in your life.
For those that are praying just keep the faith.
God Bless!
Congrats to you and yours. Enjoy the next chapter in your life!!!!!!!
Gail
Congratulations Mrs Lewis,you deserve the Best ! We wish you and your son nothing but great joy ,God Bless !!!
Myra, you and your family are blessed to recover from the tragic disaster of Katrina. Now God has blessed you and your family again to see that your dreams come true. The HGTV Dream Home 2010 will allow you and your family's lost dreams to come true. You are an inspiration…I will continue to dream because dreams to come true.
Congratulations and best wishes to you for a wonderful life in your new home ! Never stop Believing!! Never lose Hope!!
This was truly a wonderful moment for Myra….She seems so deserving of this great home and all the prizes that go along with it. I am so glad that if I couldn't win someone like this. It makes losing not so bad. Good Luck Myra to you and your family. God Bless You in this new home!! Sincerely Kathy
When one door closed another opened… really wide… for you and especially your son. Congratulations and the Santa Fe community has gained a counselor and an extraordinary artist!
Beautifully said Karen Lewis Smith. I hope that Doctor Myra has contacted some of the Arts Councils and that they will be having a welcome celebration when she and Chris come to town. My intuition is that Chris is on his way to international fame for his work as a Nieff artist.
So does anyone know if Myra Lewis is one of the blogamadillas
no but I'm sure she and HGTV would have mentioned it if she was.
ok why are post dissapearing on here
so i guess theese post are monitored by hgtv,because i have had some of mine dissapearing .like to have someone explain that one to me.something wrong when one minute its there then its gone the next
I'm not sure Myra's selection was anything more then a "popularity" pick. Just like her, I sent in entries every day with friends and we were not selected. Isn't it odd that an individual that lived in New Orleans was picked? No> You should have told us, we had no chance to win, before we sent in entries every day,Please make sure future contests are real contests.
Jim
Maybe the New York State Lottery will find you popular!! Besides – the pot at times, is much greater than 2+ million dollars — with no deeds to sign or property taxes to be paid — It will only cost you a dollar.. RIGHT?? This high-class sweepstakes was FREE!
In the mean time — I was not one of the 40+ million (entries) dreamers chosen either — but even a child could say — CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Myra Lewis !!!
Thanks if you can let me know what 'REAL' is.. We just didn't win — OK??
Congratulation Myra !!!! You are trully blessed. God blesses those who bless others, and you are a blessing to others. I wish you much happiness enjoy your dream house . God Bless You and God Bless Your son Chris.
Heartfelt congratulations to Myra;
Although I see some bloggers immaturity on page, I know in my heart how much this win would mean to anyone… rich, poor, middleclass. Degreed, drop-out, or still learning. Anyone's life would change for the better.
When I think of the years of schooling, on top of working everyday in a field of giving oneself to inspire and direct others, I commend you Myra. As a single mother for years and years, who came home to two healthy, very capable children after a long hard day, I think of you and how day after day you also bore the nurturing of an autistic child. Alot of people think they cannot be helped so much. You have truly proved otherwise. I am proud of you and happy for you.
You have far exceeded what most people achieve in education in a lifetime. You have shown that it can be done amidst great adversity. You have survived a home loss. So did I and alot of other people during this economic crisis, however, most of us left with our lifetime of pictures and personal belongings in tact.
(to be continued…ran out of room)
(continued)
There are so many people who wanted to win, that have never owned a home or have lost their homes, some also from Katrina. Don't be upset if read any of those blogs, as so many were hoping for their dreams to come true, just as you did. From what I've read, there are so many needs just among our bloggers.
But I think God smiled on you, for you have worked hard, fought hard, given much and survived…exactly what He expects from us. I see kindness in your face, and I see the weathering through many storms, and now I also see the sparkle in your eyes of relief and pleasure. Just because it appears that you already own a great house and all is well, we do not know your circumstances, and we should not judge, decide, direct or condemn. May your life in New Orleans or New Mexico be all that you had dreamed, and more, for your retirement years. You have well earned it.
God bless you and be with you always,
lee
Dear lee … Even though you were directing your comments toward Myra, I just wanted to personally thank you personally for one of the most thoughtful and compassionate responses I have ever read here on this blog. Your eloquent statements, I hope, will bring comfort and peace to some of those people here who have expressed heartbreak and disappointment. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight. ~ Still dreaming … ~
Dear Lee Perry,
I soo agree with Both_sides_now in her comment to you. I have continued to read your comments to Myra, it brought tears to my eyes and am absorbed in the profound and gentle quality pf your comments. You offer a simple and direct template encouraging positive communication- this is what this world so desperately needs, and herewith is the answer. Thank you lee for your study 101 in creating gentle acknowedgment and acceptance.
I am not disappointed that I did not win because as a pragmatist, the odds of 40 million to one are unrealistic. However, we who read the sweepstakes rules know that the "potential" winner is notified beforehand and has five days to contact professionals regarding the contract. The potential winner is vetted for qualification. So each year's winner knows in advance before the car, balloons and giant check arrive at their home. I guess that's show biz. Congratulations to Myra. May she enjoy the home or the cash-out for years to come!
I just wish HGTV would change this charade with ambush with balloons. If it is not real surprise, just change it to what it really is. I even did not watch the "ambush" bc I knew it is not in real time. I looked online after….I think the ambush lost its luster. Sorry, HGTV, but I still love your programs
I am very happy for you and your son. I wish you all the wonderful things in life.
Say what's with the Nayayers.BOO! Now Congratulations Myra. You have a wonderful life when you move there and while you are still in New Orleans. I will be looking for your son's work of the Southwest in Art shows around. It is truly beautiful there. Enjoy and God Bless.
Yeah — just think there is much more at stake than just giving some dude a CASH Prize. There's a lot of accountability here — SERIOUS STUFF! Deeds, several legal documents, taxes, the image – oh my God it's overwhelming! Sounds like REAL LIFE! That's when HOLLYWOOD is at its best!
HGTV really must have a huge staff (and budget) to handle all of the legal issues far beyond just handing some dude a 2+ million dollar check.. Besides the esteemed sponsors (what a huge responsibility HGTV has — all for the sake of our dreams and entertainment??) – there's also the involvement t of the State and Federal government.
Some disappointed bloggers describes it as Hollywood, The production department of HGTV is 'excellent' – they have to be!!
I think I'll hope more on winning the state lottery (usually the pot is a lot greater (NO DEEDS or PROPERTY TAX). But then oh man, it'll cost me a dollar a ticket.
In the mean time: CONGRATULATIONS DR Myra Lewis !!!
HGTV runs a ruse. There is nothing random about this Dream Home giveaway at all. It is so obvious as to be embarrassing, Why don't they just admit it? Have entrants all send in personal stories, and then let them pick a winner based on the individual sob story. We all have stories. I didn't see a place on the entry form to tell my story, or state why I love New Mexico and deserve to live there. I would have gladly explained.
Please, HGTV, quit pretending. No sour grapes here; just someone who appreciates honesty. Congrats to the winner, but please, tell us the real deal up front. Thanks.
Oh no!!! My little five year old girl is so heart broken!! She asked me once what I was doing when I was entering my information and I told her about the contest and how many many people wanted to win this house!! She just asked me right now when we are moving to the house and I told her that somebody else won.. She is crying so much and saying that nothing makes sence now, that she believed in her heart that we would win the house and we didn't : ( She can't stop crying!! : ( She said she loved the room that was supposed to be hers : (… my little sweet heart : ( It breaks my heart too because the winner won't even be moving in the property for years : ( God blessed her with another house but my little one now feels like nothing good ever happens to her : (
well, your little will go over it, like any kid gets over not getting some toy! Kids are resilient, adaptable, life goes on, does not end by not wining! Look forward, live now.
Congratulations! I'm happy for you, but sad for me that I didn't win. I'm a struggling single mother trying to make it through school and care for a daughter. But I understand It takes hard work and dedication to get where I want to be. I think great things happen to good people and I think Myra deserved every bit of the prize. I hope to win in the next drawing!!
There is such a thing called Karma. Anyone that wishes ill on a person will get it back. The fact is Ms. Myra did the same thing we all did, submit her entry and hoped that it would randomly get picked. Anyone that has a problem with her winning then you should confront the computer that selected her. Oh that's right you didn't see that part of the Dream Home winner reveal.
I just watched Jamie Durie online, as the HGTV team knocked on Myra's door and got that wonderful feeling all over again. You are the perfect antedote for what we need now. America is yearning for happy success stories, and you are here to tell it. Jamie was the perfect person to give this DREAM HOME away. He is a perfect gentleman, and so nice delicious to watch. Yow!!
Jack is my delicious to watch. Please bring him to the West Coast Bloggers Party for dessert!
lee Perry good morning you sweet writer you. Maybe we could put out some inquiries to get that west Coast Blog Party going and bring Jack, Gail, Jamie, Monica and Mary to get the party started. Last night I was writing late and there was a freudian slip. I said Yow, and I meant to say Yay! I hope I didn't embarrass Jamie.
They don't embarass…they puff up, ha!
CONGRATULATIONS MYRA and family! This year's dream home is truly a DREAM HOME – I absolutely love the 2010 home – and all that is in it. I am sure you and your family will too!
Typical that a Dr. would win the home. Someone who already has money and a home. I think that these drawings are rigged. I'm disgusted.
Are you aware of the number of people with a Doctorate in their chosen field (highly educated), who have serious financial problems. Dr. in front of your name is not a guarantee for wealth. Do the research and you'll be embarrassed by your un–informed comment.
In the mean time: CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Myra Lewis !!
How many Doctors have won this sweepstakes? Maybe we''ll (or you'll) be the LUCKY one the next time. Meanwhile – I'm going to get a PHD in music & art…
I’am really saddened to read alot of these comments! I pray for all of these people…That they will be filled with compassion,be grateful for what they do have,and be filled with overflowing love for one another !! I’am very happy for Ms. Myra Lewis & share in her joy. Congratulation, God Bless You & Yours !!
I hadn't seen another Tammy spelled my way on the blog. So there are two of us.
I’am really saddened to read alot of these negative comments. I pray for these people that they will be filled with compassion,be grateful for what they do have & their hearts will be overflowing with love ! I’am very happy for Myra and her son,and rejoice with her ! I love watching HGTV,and learn alot of different things from it,very entertaning & educational! A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO MYRA & GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS!!!
is anyone else having trouble posting?
I cant wait to enter for the green home its looks beautiful to
lol all i can say is i am a home owner proud of it worked hard for it ,it wasnt handed to me. this is my 4th home i lived in in the last 35 years everyone we bought we worked for i had 3 rentals to sold them also.i now live on a small 110 acre farm lots of work my home is 100 years old but its my home.i feel no shame because i have a home.if i won one of the homes i would sale this place an move again.i dont get it why are we bad because we already own a home.its a free country,i feel no shame for working hard to have it,yes people are loosing everything i feel for you but dont judge those who have thier homes.i dont think we should be judging each other,like i said i not going to be ashame of what we worked hard for.
did you all miss the statement that she renovated her original home (that was devastated by katrina) and it is now a rental property –she lives in another home and now has the 3rd property in new mexico. i am not upset with her as much as hgtv making fools of all of us. NO entries from me on the next home give a way…..
ok i see the thumbs up an thumbs down plus minus an plus signs next to peoples post,now does this mean you are judging someone comments on here? because if so i think this is very sad , i wont do this because i believe in freedom of speech even if we dont like what has been said. i am no ones judge or jury, i do have some beliefs that i stand by.so folks you wont get no thumbs up or down from me.i believe we have the right to express our beliefs even if dont agree with other. wow thats whats wrong we are so quick to judge.well i pray for everyone to find happiness an peace.someone who does care what you think an say.
TICKET TO RIDE—
Good morning everyone. I woke up dreaming about the blue bowls Gail was cooking with in the kitchen. In the dream, they were filled with some kind of sweet fruit mixture, and It got me started with the thought that I could enhance by home with some of the elements I loved from the HGTV HOME, as I love an ecclectic look. Perhaps incorporating a few of the items seen in the home as art, decoration, kitchware, could entice the memory and serve as a reminder or ticket to head out to Sandia toward the summer, with my beach chair in hand to do some hiking, star watching, shopping and perhaps look at the real estate market. This sweeps, never before entered, has spurred on the wanderlust I have long since put in a box with a yellow ribbon on it. But now, I am in the mood to travel again, see new places, research the areas around the country for new possibilities for living. Yesterday, I went to a lighting store in Vegas to see if the Scarlett Chandelier in the mastersuite was sold.
TICKET TO RIDE CONTINUED
The message was a little too long.
TICKET TO RIDE CONTINUED
Another option- perhaps I could make it with a frame, some routed wire, and find some interesting light weight or chunky cyrystal to hang. I also loved the warrior and buffalo painting in the home office, and would love to find a print of this. Anybody know where to find this? So basically the point is, I don't have to give up anything, I can continue adding to this dream mandalla.
Myra, congratulations on your new home, but most especially for being your son's best advocate!!! Enyoy your new home!
please i ask for prayers for a good friend of mine i just got a call last night from her.she had big hernia surgery 2 months ago it was big,then it had to be drained it had fluid build up on it had to be drained well now another hernia has popped up next to where the other one was repaired.she said this one is going into her bowels an stomach.thank goodness she will be going to barnes hospital in st.louis,please i ask for prayers for her i am worried but i know god is watching over her she has been going through allot of health problems,her name is kay.i greatly appreciate the prayers i dont know when her surgery is yet but i will keep posted thankyou i believe in the power of prayer.
A HUGE congratulations to Myra and her family on winning Dream Home 2010. Well done and a BIG HUG from us in Michigan!
Enjoy your new life Myra and family!
: )
Oh I wanted a add a HUGE thanks to HGTV for allowing us that participated in the Dream Home drawing to have a nice dream. It was a terrific ride and again thanks HGTV for making a person's life so impossibly wonderful.
*thumbsup*