NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From more than 19,000 entries to one winner, today Macy’s announced Amy Ferrell of Wenatchee, WA, takes home the grand prize in “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly.” After months of makeovers, hometown challenges, viral videos and thousands of supporters, Amy has secured her place as the ultimate winner of $1 million plus products, services and experiences to suit her personal goals and needs.
“Never did I believe I would win Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover,” said Amy Ferrell. “I have always loved Macy’s and am extremely excited to start my new life and give back to my community. I express my gratitude to those that supported me throughout this competition.”
Elementary school teacher Amy Ferrell, 36, has five children, three of whom she adopted from Ghana. Her dream to start an after-school program that incorporates literacy and math into meaningful projects and provide a home large enough for her family drove America to vote for her win.
The announcement was revealed exclusively online at noon EDT at www.facebook.com/macys. America can still watch never-before-seen video of Amy Ferrell’s hometown surprise and the reveal of her customized prize package. Surrounded by family, friends and special guests, Amy learned for the first time what she’ll win in cash, prizes and experiences from Macy’s, including gifts from KitchenAid, Affinia Manhattan Hotel, Sealy, Verizon, Agio, the Red Rooster Harlem by Macy's Culinary Council Chef Marcus Samuelsson, The Westin Excelsior Rome, Tommy Hilfiger, Martha Stewart Collection, I.N.C. International Concepts, Charter Club, Alfani, Style & Co., Tasso Elba, Epic Threads and AXA Advisors.
Media footage including winning moments and prizes, interviews with Amy Ferrell, Macy’s executives and Clinton Kelly will be available via the following satellite feeds:
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Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 |
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| Times: | 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Eastern | |||
| 12:30 p.m.– 12:45 p.m. Central | ||||
| 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Mountain | ||||
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Pacific | ||||
| C-Band Satellite: AMC1 Transponder: 15 | ||||
| Downlink: 4000 (H) Audio: 6.2 & 6.8 | ||||
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Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 |
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| Times: | 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Eastern | |||
| 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Central | ||||
| 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Mountain | ||||
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Pacific | ||||
| C-Band Satellite: AMC1 Transponder: 15 | ||||
| Downlink: 4000 (H) Audio: 6.2 & 6.8 | ||||
Throughout the month of February, eight finalists, who were selected from over 19,000 entries, each received a head-to-toe makeover with fashions from Macy’s and the expertise of Clinton Kelly. Their personal stories were revealed to the public via Macy’s Facebook page on Feb. 28 and were followed by the first round of America’s votes and elimination to four. These four contestants each competed in a Hometown Challenge, with America again voting to send two winners to the final round. On May 24, America found out that Amy Ferrell won the ultimate prize of “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly.”
“We are thrilled to announce the winner of Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover,” said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of marketing for Macy’s. “Amy was such a deserving contestant. She is an extraordinarily selfless and caring individual and America has grown to love her through this process. Macy’s and Clinton Kelly are masters of the makeover, but this is a transformation unlike anything we have ever done before.”
VIMBY (Video In My Backyard), the Mark Burnett Digital Studio, collaborated with JWT and Macy’s to create and produce the revolutionary format for the Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover. Leveraging its team of successful traditional reality TV showrunners, VIMBY’s vision for the series combined the best elements of traditional TV makeover shows and competition reality shows, ultimately leading up to a live multi-camera finale production. Utilizing VIMBY’s local-national production infrastructure of highly talented HD filmmakers and editors, the company produced the 25 broadcast-quality video series for the web in nine different states over a four month period, culminating in a live event in the winner’s hometown of Wenatchee, WA. For the finale reveal in Wenatchee, WA, VIMBY brought in television trucks and full broadcast resources including lighting design, set and scenic, graphics direction and post production editorial, showcasing their ability to make local content on a national scale.
“This is an excellent example of bringing network television quality storytelling and production values that my brand represents to another screen,” said Mark Burnett. “Macy’s, one of the greatest retail brands in the world, was very smart in commissioning their own show to air on their own digital channel, in this case their Facebook page. I think this is just the beginning of what is possible in the multi-screen world and I am thrilled that VIMBY and its local-national production infrastructure can deliver for Macy’s.”
For contestant images and more information about “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly,” created by Macy’s and JWT New York, please visit www.macys.com/pressroom. Tune-in to www.facebook.com/macys to watch the grand prize revealed as Amy is surprised in her hometown surrounded by special guests, family and friends.
About Macy’s
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.
For Macy’s media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.
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