MIDLAND, Mich. -- A Midland family down on their luck received quite a surprise and now they have a lot to be thankful for this November.

They are the beneficiaries of a financial makeover thank to the community.

As the scene unfolded, the best words to describe it were surprise, coupled with joyful tears as Bob and Bobbi Stark learned of the financial makeover.

“Oh boy, it reaffirms my faith in people,” said an exasperated Bob Stark.

The Starks and their four children recently hit a rough financial patch and were in danger of losing their home.

Bobbi saw an ad offering a financial makeover for those who needed help. She filled out a form and they were selected.

“It’s amazing, and I’m overwhelmed,” said Bobbi Stark. “I don’t even know what to say, I’m just thankful, grateful -- praise God.”

Most of the thanks is due in large part to the help of father and son financial team Carl and Jason Cryderman, of Great Lakes Investment Advisors in Midland.

Now the Starks will be able to keep their home and get back on solid financial ground. “It certainly was tear jerking and like the old saying [goes], it kind of warmed the cockles of my heart,” said investment advisor Carl Cryderman.

Bill Rancic, a former winner on the television show “The Apprentice,” was the presenter at Friday’s event.

Rancic handed over a stack of certificates from local businesses to help get the Starks back on their feet.

“What we’re doing today is we’re going to teach them how to fish rather than give them a fish,” said Rancic.

The financial makeover has the distinction of being the largest of any community that’s been featured so far.

The head of the company putting together the program and offering help, Gradient Financial Services, is astonished at how Midland businesses banded together to help the Starks and hopes other communities follow suit.

“Being able to help somebody when they’re going to loose their home is really what life is all about,” said Gradient’s Tami Lucius. “If I could do this everyday, I would be doing this.”

Meanwhile, the Starks plan to offer help to other members of their community in an effort to “pass it on.”

“That’s the whole idea behind this is for us so that we can turn around and bless others,” said Bob Stark.

Below is a list of businesses that made donations to the Starks:

Gradient Financial Services

Carl & Jason Cryderman: father and son financial team of Great Lakes Investment Advisors, in Midland, who have dedicated a lifetime commitment to helping the Stark’s stay on solid financial footing. They are also responsible for soliciting the thousands of dollars worth of community donations that have come in for the family.

Family photos & framed prints (Larkin Photography)

$2000 gift certificate (Dan Dan the Mattress Man)

$250 gift certificate for yoga classes (The Yoga Place)

Six $25 gift cards for Pizza Sam’s (Pizza Sam’s)

$300 worth of cleaning and home inspection services (Carey Plumbing & Heating Inc.)

Monetary donation (GLIA)

Small business development & consulting (Delta College)

Contractors & labor for roof repair (United Way)

Three-moth membership at Smitty’s Iron Works (Smitty’s Iron Works)

General health evaluations, family wellness coaching classes, massages and healthy cooking DVD's (Vibrant Health & Wellness Center)

Family movie passes (Midland Cinemas)

Free weekend night stay & dinner for two at Café Zinc (The H)

The Gift Basket of MI products (The Michigan Store)

Gift certificates for groceries & gas (Apothecary Shop)

$25 gift certificate for Super Suppers-prepared meals (Super Suppers)

Monetary donation (Mashue Printing)

Six month free subscription (Midland Daily News)

$30 gift certificate (Damon’s Restaurant)

Travel items (AAA – Midland)

United Way of Midland was also instrumental in helping with the program.