Like any other newspaper, we get a lot of unsolicited press releases and, with the advent of e-mail, the number of PR pitches has grown dramatically. Most of them make a quick trip to the circular file or, in the case of e-mail, the recycling bin. Last week, however, we received one that was so heart-warming, we thought it was worth sharing. It’s from a Mr. John R. Sternal who, according to his e-mail, is a senior account exec for The Dutcher Group, an advertising firm in Tampa, Florida. It seems that Sternal had listened to national weather reports last Tuesday and had become concerned about us poor North Carolinians having to deal with Hurricane Alex. Sternal was kind enough to send a note just to remind us that. . .well, we’ll let his thoughtful message speak for itself:With Hurricane Alex providing torrential wind-driven rain in many parts, thousands of homeowners are likely to realize leaky roofs, windows and doors. Even areas not directly affected by Alex could realize heavy rains from the tropical system. These homeowners will most likely have to make repairs to parts of their home that are continuously susceptible to water damage. I’d like to offer experts from Grace Construction Products as a resource for any stories you develop around home repair as a result of the hurricane. Or, I could provide you with a short story for publication that addresses the issue of water damage prevention for homes. Below is information on one product, Grace Ice & Water Shield, offered by Grace, which is a premium roof underlayment that helps protect from water damage. And so forth and so on.
Now, we’re familiar with Florida’s vaunted hustler culture and, having read Stormy Weather, a novel by Florida satirist Carl Hiaasen, we realize the state is accustomed to having vultures waiting around for homes to be ruined by big storms. What impressed us about Sternal’s missive, though, was that it came on the morning of the day Alex was supposed to hit land. That’s right, the thing hadn’t even touched solid ground yet and Sternal was already making a pitch for construction products to repair the upcoming damage. That kind of concern for your fellow man and his wallet is rare indeed. We thought you’d like to know that there are still some kind-hearted, thoughtful souls out there looking out for your well-being.
This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2004.
