Walking across the set, I heard loud, piercing shrieks from the spectator pit. “Tyyyyyyy!!!!” I followed the voices and met some dedicated Extreme Makeover fans. Actually, saying they’re dedicated is an understatement. Sophia Vitiello, of Nesconset, is one of those screaming fans. She’s actually here for her 7-year-old son, Lukas, who she says is Ty Pennington’s biggest fan. Sophia has been here since 6 a.m. trying to get a glimpse of Ty.
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Next to her are Kristina Greguski and Ali Woods, both 16 and from Lake Grove, who also claim to be Ty’s biggest fans. “I’m amazed by everything he does,” said Ali, who is sporting a handmade shirt and bag featuring pictures of Ty. Both girls are holding posters, one autographed by the man himself. They tell me they met him earlier yesterday, where they stood for five hours waiting for him. “He gave me a hug and autographed this poster,” Ali said. “He made my dreams come true.” She also had a poem that she wrote for the host, which she had submitted to Oprah in hopes of getting a chance to meet Ty again. Ali and Kristina both plan to come back every day until filming has ended.
I spoke to a security guard on duty who said that fans often give them elaborate gifts to give to Ty, but unfortunately he rarely receives them (sorry ladies).
– Kaitlyn, Long Island Press