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
Congratulations and Blessings to Myra!!
To all of the poor me's out there re -read your posts and realize what you have done. Would you like to be judged as harshly. Change your negative thinking or you will bring it upon yourself in heaps, (maybe you already have). Focus on the good things in your life now and be grateful for all the good things that you do have. Be truly happy for the winner and bring some more happiness into your own life.
I do not believe for a moment that the contest was fixed or rigged but even if it was, the people involved will be judged by God. Judging them is not your concern or job.
There are 40,000,000 other people who are disappointed that they didn't win too but they are moving forward which is what you need to do.
Yay LisaK, The power of positive thinking.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sorry puter acting up testing it
ok strange computer i have wow
i believe in the stars i believe in the heavens i believe in my heart that show was not rigged but most of all i believe all things are possible with gods love.no matter when we are down or hurting he picks us up brushes us off an tells us he always been there for us,but its us that think we can go it alone but he is there reminding us he reaches out to us with a loving hands there are days i thought i was all alone in this world then something else happens to let me know there are worse off then i am so i need not pity myself but to reach deep down in my soul an show love an kindness to others,so mrya you enjoy winning god was watching over you an your son,i think your son will go far with his gift of art.his art shows the true beauty of life as he see it if only people would look through his eyes they would see the beauty god bless you many times over.
i always tell people to step back an look at the world through children eyes they see the beauty where we have forgotten it. i love children because they are so full of love that we as adult lost sight of.please watch an learn from your children. i have a 30 year old son who is bipolar an has severe colon problems along with health issues,believe me it has taught me to be more humble,he lives with us an i learn so much.so if you think you have it rough look around you there will always be some one else worse off.so i have learn to be humble.no one said life would be easy,but its how we deal with it.so step back an watch it through your children eyes you will see life different.
So true, and what a beautiful post christina
I am so glad such a wonderful person has won this beautiful home. May you enjoy and flourish in this new area! Your new friends and neighbors are the lucky ones!
Christina, i will pray for your friend and to your son. you are right about of being humble and greetful of what we had. myself is a breast cancer survivor, and my 10years old son was in and out the hospital couple of years ago, a lot of symptoms. ms or ms gravis he was semi comatose for a week and not able to walk for months. one doctor told me that possibility my son will be criple and blind. my son situation is unknown, no diagnosis and thats really hard knowing of the unknown. but i did not accept it. i turned everything to God and just leave it up to him, i have faith in him and i believe in miracle. now my son is healthy, and i am healthy. and i am greetful of what we had. not much but thankful. just pray and everything will be okay to your friend and to your son. "GOD BLESS!!
thankyou for your kind words mcc,i believe in the power of prayer my faith is what keeps me going your story has touch me dearly,thankyou from the bottom of my heart,i just wish there wasnt so much anger in this world but i keep praying for all.i dont like seeing people hurting.sometimes we have lost sight whats important in life,i believe gods love is strong.so again god bless you,thankyou.
Am very happy for this well deserving women. Her son and her family. My thoughts are it is not "rigged" and if she was hand chosen, "it's a good thing." My thoughts are it was God that hand choose her. Myra, you and Susan Boyle inspire me. May you have many happy hours in you nice home surrounded by love!
All I have to say is …..YOU GO GIRL!!!!
Myra, Congratulations, Yes, I did want this home, but after seeing and hearing your story, I feel like so manu others, Go enjoy, you new home, new life and with joy in your heart, God knew who to give this home to.
Thank you for all you have given others.
Srm541, Bend, Or
Everyone says its a set up, she owns a house, she's not moving in right away, Blah, Blah, Blah, Waaa. Let's face it, everyone wanted to win it and it is not our place to say who does or does not deserve to win the home. Bottom line is that random or not, it is contest and if it is random, it is not a requirement that you are deserving based on the world's standards. And who's to say what is deserving and not deserving? Who are we to judge. Stop being a bunch of cry babies and live your lives. Everyone has a story, I certainly do and it may touch some and not others. I am going to continue to take my chances and try every year. My husband lost his job and he was one of their best performers, however, the company was failing and now no one is hiring. There are a lot of us out there with a story, so quit your cry baby attitudes and be happy for this women. If you can't do that, then I think that you are the ones that are not deserving.
I read about the taxes and the probability that most folks couldn't pay them. Wouldn't it be nice if the home came with taxes paid? Is that too big of a dream?
I think it should should so atleast someone has a starting chance
Awesome request. Please HGTV
Congrats Myra, I hope you and your children enjoy your new home. I am happy for you. My youngest son has Autism, so it is nice to know that some day he will find his passion also as your son has. It gives me more hope for his future.
this is to all the negative comments, EVERYONE WHO ENTERED WANTED TO WIN,SO WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU DESERVE TO WIN MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE,PLEASE STOP ALL THE CRYING,MAYBE IT WILL BE YOU NEXT YEAR THEN SOMEONE WILL BE SAYING NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT YOU.
I believe I entered one other contest 1 time before I really saw the house then not again until 2010 dream home. About 3 years ago I spoke to God about so many of the details in the HGTV Dream Home 2010. Then they built it just where I had asked for it. Things that were not even available then that I asked for where in this house. Each room placed exactly where I had asked. Furnishings, colors I was so specific if I went thru each thing it would take more than an entire tv show. From the rocks outside to the dove hanging from the light, to my dog that we didn't even have yet on weaved bowls on pillars, the fireplaces 4 of them just as I had asked the turquoise one with the wing back chairs and then the only room in the house with no windows just behind the fireplace the theatre room but comforatable with chase'ss and black and white art of mountains, cork on the walls. If it was pleasing to God I asked for lamps made like tee pees, the raised hands sculpture in great detail as I litterally went thru New Mexico with my hands raised praising God, faucets, a childs play home instead of a doggie home and so much more. And then someone else won my dream home.
Myra and Chris: CONGRATULATIONS! And WELCOME TO NEW MEXICO! I live in the area, toured your new home, and sincerely hope I get the chance to meet such special people in person. You are both truly an inspiration. In the next year I will be launching a program on overcoming fear and I would so love to have you both as featured experts. I am positive you will find NM warm and inviting and a perfect place to actively retire. Chris – I hope to someday own a piece of your art – it will have a place of honor in my home. I will think of you often and keep you in my prayers and trust that God will bring us together at an appropriate place and time. Joy (aka FindingJoy)
I think so many of us could benefit from your program. Taking any new step I think involves releasing all of the old stuff, and allowing for new positive experiences. I think this program should be incorporated into every aspect of life, including our educational, government, health care, etc. This is a beautiful comment, is that your web or your nick?
One of the other bloggers suggested that maybe Chris could do a virtual art show online. I think we would all love to own his art. It is that impressive. There is so much joy and tremendous love of his surroundings that you can see in his art. It would be great if he could write something about his art, and how he feels about the projects he works on.
Iam very happy for Myra & Christ, I have a Grandson 18 who is autistic and very talented I love him so much and wish the best for his future. I agree with two of the comments, one was Cindy who said
it should be more of a surprise,and the other was the howcome people that win always have a house
already.SEAY,Westchester N.Y.
Myra, when you gaze at the natural beauty surrounding you and feel that connection in that space and time,send those thoughts and strengths to all our ways!!!
You look so incredibly joyful and we are all so very happy with you!
Thank you to HGTV and all the creative,love filled folks who make it possible!!
MYRA,
CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING YOUR DREAM HOME. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AND THE BEST
FOR YOUR SON CHRIS. I HOPE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC LIFE.
I think this was fixed and not a real entry. This person does not need a new home. Sounds like she has enough money to buld her own." Returned 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." This does not sound like she should have won to me. Diana
The random selection process doesn't care whether someone owns a home, or rents an apartment, whether they make a large salary or minimum wage, and it doesn't have any idea of who "should have won".
CONGRATULATIONS! You have been nominated for this year’s TROLL AWARD!
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*** Simply copy this ENTIRE post, and paste into future nominations. ***
How did you manage to get ahold of Dr. Lewis's financial statement – 0r are you just guessing to know so much of her finances? "This person does not need a new home" — may I have your phone number so I may contatct you when I'm NOT sure whether or not I NEEEED something. Thanks..
I'm not sure but I don't think that the federal welfare departmnet sponsors a 2+ million dollar sweepstakes.. My goodness, What are people thinking 0 if at all !!!
there are those who have to much time on thier hands to be always looking an thinking,they are sad one minute an happy the next. but when something good happens to someone else all they can say is why not me me me me,instead of saying good for them.then if it was them to win they would say well its about time.oh my we have lost sight of all the beauty we have surrounding us.i wish no one ill i wish all the best for you.if its meant to be its meant to be.if we think we are hiding are thoughts an hearts from god oh how fool we are.for god knows what we are doing at all times.why cant we just be happy for someone when its good things happening for them.we live in a world of its me me me me.well i am sorry to say its not all about me me me.a kind word a little happiness for another will go a long way,an then maybe you will see it come back to you.so remember its not always me me me.its showing love,kindness,an compassion for other human beings.so dont sit a waste your life away wondering why not me me me. instead say i am very happy for you,then you will see your heart light up an feeling of joy.then you will see gods light shining in you.love kindness compassion goes a long way.god bless
Thanks HGTV, I just had an opportunity to preview the showcase of the magnetic artwork of Chris Lewis online. His composition, colors, and unique style could have been one of the well known artists incorporated into the HGTV house. Someone on the blog said that perhaps Chris's artwork, was looking for a home and found its way to the rich outdoors, scenes of the past history, bright blends of the southwest in a spectacular array of nature's palette. The opportunies for this budding artist, and mom with tremendous joy and enthusiasm for her new choices is boundless. Enjoy kids, and have fun!!
I think that Myra's son will do well in their new environment. I understand that Sandia, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are rich in the arts and from all the pictures I've seen of the nature scenes there he will have plenty of inspiration. God bless him and his mother and hope they both enjoy a life of enrichment.
Dear Janet, you are so right. Sante Fe, Sandia and surrounding areas serve as a mecca for art, design and the wonderful people it attracts. The house itself is up against 1000 acres of protected land between Sandia and Sante Fe. The desert itself is a unique, and is God's country as my grandma used to say. We lived in Tucson and visited Sante Fe frequently. One of the things she used to comment about was that each night the sunset was very different. Blasts of color and design against swarm to midnight blue skies, the earth reaching out with silhouettes of nature. This area will inspire and warm the imagination.
By the way where are all of our blogging friends? Did the go the the message board, or to blog cabin, another site under HGTV.
Congrats and best wishes to Mary and her son. I am soo happy for her
She truly deserves it.
Congrats to Myra! Now let’s start using all thatmoney to build some homes in Haiti!
Perhaps they can build 10 habitat for humanity houses next hgtv for those that really never have owned a home?
Congratulations to Myra and her family.
This is GREAT and it lends itself to "hope" for anyone who has entered the contest to continue to do so, since I know that Dr. Myra Lewis is a REAL person who has lived a life of high character and has displayed much integrity. Myra Be Blessed as you Go!!!!! This excites my day!
One Love
Charlotte
Lets Move on. Myra , Myra .Myra is doing just fine. She is set for life. Congrats to her. I wish it were me just like everyone who entered. But only Myra can enjoy it. She is down on her winners weekend. Enjoy Myra but we really need to move on.It was really an Amazing pick, made for tv story.Hmmmmm
Myra,
You are truly blessed. As I watched the show with my daughter I clapped with excitement. Your story was so geniune and heartwarming. God knows you are worthy of such a wonderful gift. He knows you have given so much throughout your life. Enjoy your new home with your son, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Tanya
I was actually thinking the same thing about it actually going to someone who needed it, LIKE MYSELF. But oh well I can't dwell on it, ill re enter next year if I like the location! DARN IT DARN IT!!
Hi luba,
I just wanted to thank you in response to my post but could not get back to it. So I am going to paste it again.
This is my original post that luba responded to . Thank you love.
I am going to put my money on you next time. I am not a near-sided optimist just a believer in the power of positive thinking. I actually met the man years ago who co wrote the book, and asked him "What is the secret to making a success, out of a dream "? He was an elderly gentleman, who looked at me with a long and piercing look, and he said simply. "DREAM first, and then follow up with your dreams. Make all the little steps work, if one step goes amuck retrace and do it again, make it failsafe." In this case I would venture to say that what you are doing by entering the green home, or blog cabin, or perhaps turning your place even if it is a car into a dream place. I have one other quick story….years ago I met Bill Faul, who claimed he pitched six straight shut outs for the cubs. He was known back in the sixtys and they called him Moon Man cause he used to hypnotize his players. Flash forward to the 90's when I met him he was living out of his van, and I asked him one day at the gym why he was living in his car. He then told me, that his palace was wherever he was.
Congratulation Myra!! God has truly blessed you!
Congrats!
Whatta joke of social sweepstakes engineering this was. This was the most rigged sweepstakes every…to the point of embarrassment!
Whatta coincidence this woman lives her life to give & is from New Orleans….PUH-LEASE child!
This whole thing was SOOOOOOOOO fixed.
check pg 1, under roscoee p coltrane, then see reply Keith Dunan
congrats myra I'm so happy for you! God has greatly blessed you and may he continue to bless you, may your new life always be filled with beautiful memories.
Dillard college where Lewis works recieves grants from Hilton which is also partnered with HGTV food network. Dillard is a "sister" college to Scripps College in CA. Scripps is the sponsor for the contest. They should have just handed Lewis the prize. Why did they even bother with a drawing? 11 out of 13 past winners have all come from states where Scripps is headquartered. All but one winner was a homeowner. Sponsor "reserves the right" to screen and chose the best winner…
Scripps College is not Scripps Television (Scripps Networks Interactive). Hilton was not listed as a contributing sponsor to the Dream Home Giveaway. It looks like you're confusing yourself on similar names, while trying to twist out a self-satisfying conspiracy theory…
I just finished reading some of the comments posted on this blog. It's sad to see that some are negative. I, like everyone else have a story, and yes this prize would have helped me and my family greatly, you don't even know. But if I had a choice between winning a lot of money and having a child without autism you'd be sure I'd choose the latter as I'm sure myra would so just leave her alone,
I am utterly sad reading the hateful comments here. Can't people be happy for the winner and her son? Honestly, it feels like I'm in room of 5 year olds who haven't learned yet how to be gracious losers. NONE of us DESERVES to win. Is it cool to see someone who is HARD WORKING who is down on their luck win………..or someone who does MUCH for others be rewarded in such a way?? Absolutely!! However, just because someone is poor does not mean they DESERVE to win. Many are poor due to life choices. Do they deserve to win over someone who has worked hard all their life and sacrificed to be where they are today? NO. sigh
Congratulations to Myra! I cried when I watched you win.. partly because it was reality that I did not win, but also that you were so humble and I know you will love this home. I'll always dream about that home (mainly because I won't enter to win a home that isn't here in NM). I'm glad Myra is a responsible person who doesn't expect anyone to take care of her and doesn't want everything handed to her. She has worked hard, made some smart investments (in her education, her rental property, and in making her family the most important part of her life). She didn't win because of her story, she won the drawing. Perhaps did it occur to anyone that it had been taped and edited? They could have taped her winning the day/night prior to the follow up hints and background story by Jamie and pieced it together. Everyone has an interesting story and everyone's story is unique and would be interesting for America to watch.
wish and be wished to you. Do not envy. Wish Myra the best. Poor woman what did she do to hear all the nasty comments? SHe just won, took ggod care of her son, her education. She is older lady. I hope she will be happy.
Responding to Sceptic who feels the prize was handed to Myra because Dillard College where Myra works is tied to HGTV. I always want to find the good & positive in everything.We may never know for sure if Myra had a hand up on everyone else but is through no fault of her own. It's the fault of the sponsors and HGTV. I continue to believe that good can come out of disappointment and this is the good— we bonded with strangers, we had something to look forward to for a few weeks, we got to tour the DH on line, we were excited talking about the DH so for a time in our lives we had hope and life is all about having hope. It's like buying a lottery ticket. We dream of winning and that gives us something to look forward to. When we lose we are upset but then something else comes along to give us hope again. I wanted to win just like everyone else but even if Myra was not chosen by the method we were told the winner is selected we have to realize that someone was going to win regardless so most of us were going to be disappointed anyway.
Janet you are so right, and what a good attitude. The burden is on the dishonest ones if it were to be found. We place our faith and take others at their own word thinking we all have an equal chance, which can give us hope for a while. I would be disappointed to think that all was not above board. We can only hope the best, and know whatever one has to give may be given to whomever they choose.
Congratulations on your new Dream Home. I don't even know you, and so happy for you. I am from Crockett, Tx. This is something that I have so longed and prayed for, a blessed new home. May God continue to bless and keep you and your son. Enjoy that home and always put God first in everything, more blessings to follow. Bless you and congratulations once more.
RJM
Myra,
I was so happy to see such a deserving person and educator win. Many blessings to you and your family. I hope you finally have a wonderful retirement home.
I teach too, and understand how hard you work.
Peace, love, and much joy,
Carmen
I just wish HGTV would split the money and maybe build two or three houses to give away and then maybe the people that win could afford to live in them. I don't know of one winner that has lived in the houses they have gave away because taxes are to much for some of them to have to pay. Maybe smaller would be better for the people.
Congratulations Myra, you deserve that house. Enjoy
Of course we realize there could be only one winner. My congratulations to you, Dr. Lewis, and your family. May God keep you and continue to bless you.
KATRINA KATRINA KATRINA Just sick of hearing about it, what
about Hurricane Ike and the folks of the Galveston area, we
are still dealing with unpaid damage to the tune of $15,000.
We spent $1,250 last week to finish taking down damaged trees,
now we need to replace fence, around $5,500, insurance does not
cover these expenses. Good for the Dr. who won the house, but
just give the Katrina thing a rest.
Congrats to her, but this was so fixed!!! Let's see we have this huge thing with Lous. with the Saints winning the Superbowl and then the HGTV winner happen to be from there to….. way to fixed!! Like seriously let this be real and fair!!!!!
Congrats, Myra…..As far as some very, very jealous people….What's Wrong with you ? None of you can be happy for some-one's success…..Would you like it if people started Bashing YOU for what Material things you have? None of you have anything to be happy for???…..Yeah life's tough, It knocks you down, Kicks you in the guts and spits in your Face…..And Just when you start thinking maybe that the worst is behind you that's when you get the ten pound sledge to the back of your head….To answer the Bell with just a little more than Faith is the measure of a man..A real Man/Women Rejoices for someone Else's success….GET A GRIP on yourselves and learn what true happiness is……some are born with silver spoons. Others Take it from others, and some have it thrust upon them…………
( To Finish) , And alas others only dream of it…….Than reality sets in…..But there's always hope…..