MADISON, Wis. — The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and a handful of other community organizations have been working for 16 days to completely remodel Irene Alexander’s east side home. Alexander is the great grandmother of 11-year old Anisa Scott who was shot and killed this August in an act of gun violence.
Alexander had a particularly tough year, losing four family members in a short period of time on top of dealing with the hardships of the pandemic.
It’s why so many people stepped up to volunteer their services and donations to give Alexander a home she couldn’t believe was real.
“This is far more than I could have ever expected,” Alexander said. “I can’t believe this is the same home.”
Boys and Girls Club CEO Michael Johnson estimated that in total, Alexander’s home makeover cost around $120,000, all free of charge to Alexander.
Paul Cannarella, the owner of A1 furniture in Madison said when he heard Alexander’s story and what the BGCDC was doing for her, he said donating all the furniture for her new home was “a no-brainer”.
Sandra and Carmen Contreras, with TC Carpet Care, redesigned Alexander’s bathrooms, installed carpet, remodeled the basement, put in the ceiling grid, installed dry wall, did repairs and cleaned.
“We decided to do whatever we need to do to get this done,” they said.
Target Corporate, Dan Hawk, owner of ACME Home Services, the Boys and Girls Club, and a handful of other volunteers also contributed to the home makeover. 
Alexander was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her home for the first time. She expressed her gratitude as she settled into her new place, ready to start the new year and make new memories.
“Thank you so much,” Alexander said. “I love all of you.”
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