For Chris Fontana and Vic Fiore, owners of Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, giving back is at the core of their business. Their dedication to community shines through in their partnerships with George to the Rescue and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping families in need through home renovations and fulfilling the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Magnolia's collaboration with George to the Rescue began over five years ago when they were asked to assist a family in Union Township who had recently suffered a devastating loss. A father of two had tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day, leaving behind his children, Victoria and Harrison. Magnolia stepped in, donating a full bathroom renovation and transforming Harrison’s bedroom. "That was our first project with George," Chris recalls.
That initial project paved the way for more opportunities to make a difference. Recently, Magnolia was called upon for another life-changing renovation. A family’s son had suffered a severe cheerleading accident, resulting in quadriplegia. The George to the Rescue team asked if Magnolia could help.
"The family’s biggest challenge was mobility. Their home was small, and their son’s wheelchair couldn’t fit comfortably in tight spaces, especially the kitchen," explains Chris. "His mother’s hope was that he could participate more in family life, like joining them in the kitchen." Magnolia's solution was to create a more open and accessible kitchen that would allow the young man to engage with his family. "We wanted him to be part of the daily routine again—cooking, eating, and chatting around the table," Chris says.
Magnolia also made critical updates to the son’s bedroom, where the constant wear and tear from the wheelchair had taken its toll. "We made small but meaningful changes—rebuilding walls, modifying a closet, and improving the overall flow of the room," Vic adds. "It wasn’t a massive overhaul, but it made a huge difference in the quality of his life."
Magnolia’s commitment to giving back extends beyond their work with George to the Rescue. The company has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation on two projects, using their skills to fulfill the dreams of children in need. In Newark, they remodeled a bedroom for a young girl, creating a peaceful and comforting retreat. More recently, Magnolia completed a bathroom renovation for a teenager in Little Falls. "It was his wish to provide his family with a nice, functional bathroom, and we were honored to help make that happen," Vic says. "Giving back to families facing tough times is incredibly rewarding."
What makes Magnolia's efforts even more impactful is their ability to rally a network of partners and vendors who share their passion for helping others. "We’ve built strong relationships over the years, and many of our suppliers have generously donated high-quality materials for these projects," Vic explains. "It’s a community effort, and we’re grateful to be part of such a giving network."
As Chris and Vic reflect on their work, they remain humbled by the opportunities to use their skills for good. "We’re fortunate to run a family business and be surrounded by great people," Chris says. "Giving back is how we pay it forward, and it’s something we’ll continue to do for as long as we can."
In this season of giving and thankfulness, Magnolia Home Remodeling continues to make a difference—one home, and one family, at a time.
"Giving back to families facing tough times is incredibly rewarding."