Knoxville, Tennessee [May 8, 2009] Five families living in the same Sherman Oaks, California neighborhood will put their home improvement and interior design skills to the test for a chance to win a life-changing cash prize in HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge. To avoid elimination and earn big cash that could go toward their mortgage, the homeowners will participate in weekly challenges to renovate and redesign their own homes. Season one will showcase the expertise and design passion of homeowners Kelley Alexander; Fabian and Lisa Duvernay; Jeff and Elizabell Marquez; Dwight and Grace Yao; and Rico and Danica Yovanovich. Premiering Sunday, May 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the four-week series, hosted by Drew Lachey, will air through June 21.

In addition to Dancing with the Stars champion Lachey, who also was known to viewers as a home improvement enthusiast during his stint on Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, each episode of HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge will feature one of the network’s many popular experts: Kim Myles (Myles of Style); David Bromstad (Color Splash); Genevieve Gorder (Dear Genevieve); or Carter Oosterhouse (Carter Can). Each week Lachey will assign the teams a different room in their home to redesign. With help from an HGTV carpenter, the teams will then race against the clock to complete a makeover that is both brilliant and on budget. The families will strive to win the grand cash prize, the praise of design judges Kristan Cunningham (Design on a Dime) and John Gidding (Designed To Sell), and the chance to walk away with up to four redesigned spaces in their home.

“HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge gives participating homeowners a cash stake in making smart design choices that will enhance their lives and increase the value of their homes,” said Freddy James, senior vice president, programming, HGTV. “Viewers will have the opportunity to see homeowners like themselves tackle the exhilarating and unpredictable process of home improvement.”

Beginning May 8, HGTV.com/challenge will offer visitors a sneak peek of HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge, including homeowner bios, videos of behind-the-scenes action and tons of incredible design ideas from the series. In addition, the site also will feature exclusive videos of projects created by each guest designer.

Competitors in HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge include:

Kelley Alexander

Kelley, a single mother of two teenaged daughters, says she needs the cash prize to help her get back on her feet. Although Kelley’s first priority is to save her home, she also wants to give it a much- needed makeover. Kelley loves to entertain friends, but the outdated colors, uninspired dcor and sagging living room furniture have caused her to stop inviting people to visit. Kelley will soon be an empty-nester and says she wants her home to reflect the grown-up, contemporary design style of her dreams. At Kelley’s side is her best friend, sister and teammate, Phyllis, who will do anything to help Kelley win it all.

Fabian and Lisa Duvernay

Fabian and Lisa bought their home 14 years ago and have not changed anything since moving in. The family has considered remodeling, but the expense has prevented them from giving their home a new look. The Duvernays love warm, earthy colors and want their home to be transformed into a cozy environment that will suit their taste, as well as meet the needs of their two daughters, ages 10 and 12. The Duvernays believe the money will provide the stability they need until Fabian finds a new job.

Jeff and Elizabell Marquez

Although the faltering economy caused the value of the Marquez family’s new home to drop dramatically, the couple is eager to finish designing and decorating. Jeff and Elizabell, who got married and purchased the home one year ago, love earth tones and a cozy atmosphere, but they also want to add a splash of vibrant color to their surroundings. The family says that they will use the cash to help pay down the mortgage and two student loans, which would allow them to start a family.

Dwight and Grace Yao

Dwight and Grace Yao, along with their two children, have lived in their home for almost two years. Grace works from home as a freelance consultant, while Dwight works in the entertainment industry. The Yaos agree that they need to add color and style to their home, especially with their beige walls and second hand furniture. They also need storage solutions for the kids’ toys. If they win the grand prize, the Yaos say they will put the money towards their mortgage and maybe try to fulfill Grace’s dream of opening a bakery.

Rico and Danica Yovanovich

The Yovanovich family has lived in their home for nearly four years. Rico and Danica describe themselves as home bodies; they live on a strict budget, clip coupons and rarely go out for dinner. They enjoy home improvement projects, have remodeled several areas of their home and enjoy vibrant spring colors. The Yovanoviches say they would love to expand their family if they take home the cash.

Source: HGTV Press Release