We're Gonna Help Alferd Williams Build a House!

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Friday, July 18, 2008 • 6:00 AM • Share We're Gonna Help Alferd Williams Build a House! RT @TheEllenShow

We're Gonna Help Alferd Williams Build a House!

Over 60 years ago, Alferd Williams from St. Joseph, Missouri, dropped out of first grade to go to work so he could help his family, but he made a promise to his mother to one day learn how to read. Now Alferd is 70 years old and he's finally honoring that promise. He has joined Alesia Hamilton's first grade class and he is a model student. Thursday, Alferd and Alesia visited with Ellen and they were both just remarkable. Ellen presented Alferd with a check for $10,000 that Alferd said he was going to use to build a house. Ellen wants us all to help raise the rest of the money. If you’d like to donate go to: http://www.buildahome4alferd.com/
...And thanks in advance for being the greatest audience around!

Next Story: So Cute, You May Get Sick to Your Stomach!

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I really liked the article, and the very cool blog

Posted by rtyecript | August 24, 2011 3:51 AM

Were_gonna_help_alferd_william.. Awful :)

Posted by ellen.warnerbros.com | March 30, 2011 12:21 AM

I now have become unemployed quite a lot of instances before, as a matter of fact I am out of work right at this time. It really is absolutely not the dream holiday that everyone perceives it is, as a mater of fact it is actually relatively distressing. I don't understand or know if I am alowed to attach a good Web address in this particular comenting field but this fellas unemployment stuff is particularly helpful. We will definitely also be recomending this weblog and definitely will be back quite often. Nice Job, Thank You. The following is that URL in case you want to check it out first before you agree to this particular comment.

Posted by Noel Mcvay | September 12, 2010 7:23 AM

plz help build my house

Posted by knk alahakoon | June 30, 2010 4:55 AM

Incredible! I have been in communication with Alferd's teacher. His story parallels in many ways one about my developmentally delayed adult brother who is 47 years old and is also attending a first grade class to learn how to read, etc. in the Carl Junction school district in southwest Missouri, although his story has not been told. My brother has been a part of the school where I am a school counselor. It is so encouraging to know the width and depth of peoples' hearts when it comes to desires to learn, the acceptance by others, and the embracing of a community and nation for well-deserving individuals who set goals that will enhance their daily living and quality of life. Age and mental capacity should be no deterent. How blessed we are to find individuals and supporting school districts that are not afraid to step up to plate and view these individuals as worthwhile and contributing members of our society!

Posted by tcarter | April 30, 2009 11:47 AM

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to update everyone on our progress on the home project. To date, we have received approximately $20,000 toward Alferd's home fund. We are in the process of planning a large fundraiser for the Spring and will keep everyone apprised of that as it develops.

We apologize for the recent mishaps with the email link on our website and are working to resolve that problem.

A BIG thank you again to Ellen, her staff and all of you who are helping Alferd see his dream come true!

Posted by Tiffany Tant-Shafer | November 21, 2008 3:37 PM

WOW ELLEN AND STAFF,

FIRST OF ALL CONGRATS ON THE WEDDING I THINK THAT IS WONDERFUL I HOPE THE TWO OF YOU WILL BE AS HAPPY AS MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN FOR 28 YEARS NOW AND MORE I AM SURE. I LOVED THIS SHOW AND WANTED TO GIVE WHAT I CAN TO ALFRED'S HOUSE I AM GLAD TO SEE A SITE TO SEND A DONATION TO, THIS MAN WAS A SPECIAL INSPIRATION TO MANY PEOPLE AND HE MADE ME CRY WITH HIS STORY, HE IS REALLY, REALLY ONE OF A KIND AND IT ESPECIALLY SHOWS THAT RACE, SEX, CREED DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AN ISSUE AND SHOULD NEVER BE. lOVE THE SHOW JUST WISH IT WOULD BE ON WHEN I COULD WATCH IT ALL THE TIME, HAVE NOW RECORDING DEVICE.

THANKS BUNCHES FOR ALL YOU DO.

KELLI

Posted by kelli | August 17, 2008 4:55 PM

hi ellen,im an avid viewer from the phils.my mom told me about alferd's story and quickly searched for it on youtube.he's such an inspiration!his story brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of my 70 year old grandfather who lives in the province about 23hours drive by land and 1hour by sea from where i am.i deeply wanted to help alferd but due to financial constraints,i believe that i can be of more help to him by including him in my prayers.i also believe that there are lots who've seen him on your show who feels the same way and i say that we should all include him in our prayers.he is such a sweet guy and an inspiration to all of us. continue being a blessing,too, ellen. god bless you and portia. I LOVE YOU!

Posted by mitzi | August 12, 2008 11:07 PM

Hi Ellen!

I am an aspiring children's book writer and I think Alfred's story would be a great book. I have tried to get in touch with him to see if he is interested in this, but have had no luck. If you can help me get this moving, I would give the procedes from the book to him to help him build his house. Thanks for your help!

Katie

PS If you want to make sure I am serious, please ask Megan, your marathon girl. I went to undergrad with her. I think she would know that I am capable of this project! Thank you!

Posted by Katie Ryan | August 11, 2008 5:13 AM

ellen, it,s good to see good things happen to people who really need it. i'm so proud of alfred to complete such a task and i'm glad he had a good teacher to stand by him. i wish him all the luck and god bless him and the teacher.

Posted by pamela,kinston,n.c. | August 10, 2008 8:41 AM

How do you find out how much money has been donated? The address here for questions does not work.

Posted by Laura | August 4, 2008 12:01 PM

Just made a donation. Have spent the last year building my own home. Out of desperation to keep debt low and provide a home for my wife and new son (now a year old). Full time job and building a home, not easy to do. We are finally moved in with plenty to finish up but we are so proud of our accomplishment. Having a home is so very important, some things get in our way and it just takes longer to accomplish them. I just had to help!!!

Posted by Luke | July 31, 2008 6:38 AM

Ellen, what a beautiful, beautiful story, the story of Alferd.
A real happiness story and how happy did you make Alferd.
Congratulations. It is so uplifting to hear and see stories like you covered here, I think positive human interest stories make a difference to many people, takes you into the life of the person who has battled and come out with a huge smile the other end.
Alferd is so fortunate to have met up with a person, his teacher, who CARED for him and helped make a difference. This story has touched my heart and I am sure the hearts of many many people.

Posted by elizabeth | July 24, 2008 5:38 PM

the post by Julia Davis | July 20, 2008 11:29 AM, really caught my eye as I was reading. I think it is amazing that a 12 year old girl has the heart to give to someone else from her hard work, how sweet of her to help alfred. Mom and Dad should be proud. I'm sure alfred will benefit because of people like julia.

Posted by Rebecca Gentes | July 24, 2008 10:09 AM

Dear Ellen,

I love your show and due to unfortunate circumstances (good comes out of bad) of being unemployed full time for the past year, I have been able to watch your program regularly. I wish I could donate to the housing fund but I am unable due to the fact that my unemployment has been depleted and I am going to get it extended thanks to the president and governor. My prayers are with you and with the wonderful man who went back to school after so many years. If I could, I would go to nursing school. Your show is wonderful, upbeat and you are an inspiration to all.

Posted by Geri Chmil | July 22, 2008 8:04 AM

dear ellen, I am a 14 year old boy who lives in Jamaica and I am desperetly in need of a laptop for the up coming school year . I would ask my parents but they are retired and u know how that goes.I am tired of having to go over my friends house and using there computers and pay alot of money to use a internet cafe . I have email over 50 people and not one has replie please I beg u email me to no where to send the laptop.I beg u pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Posted by david | July 21, 2008 7:16 PM

I am a marine stationed at camp pendleton in ca. The marine corps combat engineer school is in Missouri at ft Leonard wood maybe if you got in touch with the school commander they could come to the hill and build alferds home.

Posted by t.j. Watkins | July 20, 2008 10:04 PM

Ellen,
I am a superintendent of schools from Pennsylvania. In a few short weeks I will be welcoming first-year teachers to this wonderful profession and encouraging them to "make connections" with their students and their community. Alesia Hamilton epitomizes what it means to be a teacher: the responsibilities, the expectations, the rewards and the joy. What a wonderful example she is! Please allow me to share this clip with OUR new teachers so that she and Alferd can serve as role-models to others. How can I get a copy of this clip?

Posted by Dr. E. | July 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Dear Ellen....

I am 12 years old...I am currently on summer break from school...I have to do chores around the house to help out...HATE THEM...I make 10 a week...I want to give my summer money to Mr. Alfred...He needs it more than I do...All I was going to buy was golf balls any way...I play golf on the weekends and need new balls...Mr. Alfred needs a house , so I can do without the balls...Please let me know where to send my money...thanks,Julia D

Posted by Julia Davis | July 20, 2008 11:29 AM

Linwood development company has model homes. I will donate my time to build Alfred a new 1772 Sq.ft. home.

George Bidwell
Linwood Development Company
Tucson, Az

Posted by george bidwell | July 19, 2008 7:24 PM