The Texas Ramp Project had the extraordinary opportunity to welcome NBC’s Today Show and veteran correspondent Harry Smith for a segment in the program’s Common Good series. (See following article.) While the visibility this opportunity brings is significant, the work of our our volunteers from our Board Member Brittany Pratt and the WellMed volunteer team and the Texas Ramp Project’s San Antonio Central Team led by George Swarner will demonstrate to the entire nation the commitment our volunteers and the Texas Ramp Project mission has to our communities.
Click here to read the article in the Texas Ramp Project’s October Newsletter.
The CBS production team established several requirements, including proximity within a 60-minute drive of a major airport, a family willing to participate on camera, and English-speaking or bilingual participants. Working with Nancy DeLuca and regional coordinators, four TRP regions were identified for potential involvement. Families meeting the production criteria were vetted, and a preliminary shortlist was submitted for internal review before a finalized list was provided to the production team. Throughout the process, regions were reminded that production requirements could evolve and that flexibility would be essential.
Following review and consideration, three regions submitted potential families. The selected family and regional team participated in interviews and discussions to understand the process, expectations, and commitment involved.
The opportunity culminated in a special ramp build on October 21 in San Antonio under the leadership of George Swarner. Supported by Donna and Steve Swanson, Spike Hubenak, Leanne and Stewart Smith, Mary Jo Bolster, and volunteers from our WellMed partner, the team created not only a safe and accessible home entrance but also a meaningful opportunity to share TRP’s mission with a national audience.
The segment is currently being edited by the TODAY Show production team, and an air date has not yet been announced. TRP will share an update with the organization once broadcast details become available.
A special thank-you goes to Brittany Pratt, Scott Badger, Mark Hinzman, Jim Campbell, and Mark Denzin for their leadership, coordination, and planning throughout this opportunity. Their collective efforts, along with the commitment of the San Antonio Central team and its volunteers, helped bring the Texas Ramp Project’s mission of access, independence, and dignity to a much broader audience.
