SAM Agency Newsletter

by Luke Thomas

Anyone who has been at Strong through a Thanksgiving season has heard of Toyota of Boerne’s famous Turkeys for Troops event. It’s a turkey giveaway, that much is clear, but what exactly goes into it, and why is it such an extensive production?

The Gist of the Event

Turkeys for Troops debuted at Toyota of Boerne in 2009 when Vic Vaughan learned about the Thanksgiving-themed giveaway, aimed at supporting those who have served in the armed forces. Originally, the local H-E-B grocery chain refused to sell him what – at the time – seemed like an absurdly large number of turkeys. Then, Walmart stepped in to work out a deal.

TOB’s event began with 500 turkeys. This year, that number reached 6,680.

Active and retired military personnel begin lining up at the dealership as early as 7 a.m. The turnout was so large that the Enterprise location across the street reported not being able to deliver on their “We’ll Pick You Up” slogan due to the traffic the event caused.

Volunteers from local organizations and military groups hand out frozen turkeys to two lanes of oncoming cars, which keeps the line moving quickly.

When the lines finally close, some of the leftover turkeys are left for people to pick up after-hours. The rest are donated to the San Antonio Food Bank.

Mike Shaw Toyota Joins In

For the first time ever, Strong handled two Turkeys for Troops promotions in tandem. Mike Shaw Toyota joined the group, giving away about 500 turkeys per hour. In all, 2,100 turkeys were given away by the day’s end. This event was perfect for Shaw, as he himself is a Vietnam veteran.

Strong Lends A Hand

Since its inception, Strong has handled the promotion of Turkeys for Troops. This year, Amelia, Luke, Elisabeth, and Connie jetted off to Boerne to capture live video, interviews, and photos for social media.

The team used a full arsenal of tactics, including custom-made hashtag tees, prize giveaways, check-in contests, and live streaming.

Gayle and Megan L. handled MST’s social promotion, with the support of Mary-Kate, Andrew, and Shara here at home base. The team is happy to report that, despite the onslaught of turkey media coming through on the same day, no mix-ups were made, and both dealerships received much positive interaction from the promotion.

A Truly Great Cause

Seeing an event like this first-hand leaves no doubt about the authenticity behind it. In Boerne, Vic Vaughan spent all day among the crowds talking with volunteers, veteran groups, and military personnel to thank them for their service. Later, Wells Fargo and the Military Warriors Support Foundation gave away a mortgage-free home to a wounded veteran and his family.

In Corpus Christi, the same heartfeltness was present. Shaw himself was filmed shaking hands and thanking each of the cars coming through the line. As someone with a veteran background, it’s clear he values the real meaning behind this giveaway.

by Luke Thomas

Strong’s favorite ho ho ho-down is coming up on Dec. 15, and we’ve assembled a fittingly festive sweater guide to prepare for it.

This year, take your tacky sweater game to a whole new level, and order one of these gems right in time for Strong’s festivities and all of your holiday parties.

Tackiest Sweaters of the Season

If you’ve ever been called “extra,” then this sweater is for you. The crafters of this seasonal sensation took care to ensure you’re trimmed from head to toe. Enjoy a light-up wine stocking on the front of this custom-made sweater.

Go all out and order this sweater from Etsy.

 

Have you ever seen a stranger sweater? Fans of the TV series Stranger Things will enjoy this design that is one part spooky, one part festive.

You can find this men’s sweater at Target.

 

You’ll have lots of pun with this owlsome sweater! Show off your appreciation for the wordsmiths among us, and have a hoot while you sip your cider.

This women’s “Holiday Hooter” sweater is available for ordering here.

 

If you’re feeling something classier, we’ve got just the sweater vest for you. This tastefully ugly vest looks great layered over a festive long-sleeve tee or a simple button-up.

Order this men’s sweater vest from Macy’s, and get an extra 30 percent off using code FRIEND.

 

What tacky Christmas sweater list would be complete without a little feline flair? This Grumpy Cat sweater is perfect for last-minute shoppers, with its same-day shipping if you order by 9 a.m.

Get this Meowy Catmas sweater fast from Etsy.

Order it, Wear it, Own it

Do you already have the town’s tackiest sweater tucked in your closet? Let the world see at Strong’s 2017 Christmas party, and may the ugliest winterwear win.

by Luke Thomas

You might not find it listed on a benefits sheet, but the ability to transition is one of the most valuable amenities we have at Strong.

It’s not every day that you find a company who truly values your strengths, interests, and passions. Here, these passions are not only recognized, but celebrated. While many are already a perfect fit for their positions, the ability to transition and grow extends benefits to us all, making us a stronger agency overall.

Senior Graphic Designer Terry Wirt is one person who is particularly grateful for SAM’s flexible growth environment.

This fall, Wirt began training to learn the in’s and out’s of video editing in Production.

“This is a way for my love of video and graphic design to fall together”

A Long Time Coming

For the past decade, Wirt has worked in graphic design. Seven of those years were spent at Strong. At Florida State, he studied art and graphic design, so it’s no surprise where his career has taken him up until now.

But a further look into Wirt’s hobbies and experience shows that the world of video editing is nothing new.

“When I was 16, I used to work for Comcast editing high school football footage,” Wirt said. “The office was right behind my school in Panama City, so I’d walk over after class and help edit. I liked it, and I got good experience and money for a 16-year-old.”

In college, Wirt began his studies in communication. Consequentially, he was often around production studios and video rooms. While working at a news station as a teleprompter in college, one of Wirt’s friends, a junior editor, learned of his skills and commissioned Wirt to do side editing.

“I would do things like take two-hour videos and cut them down to 60 seconds,” Wirt said.

After graduating, he kept up his hobby of video editing and has since edited more than 300 YouTube videos on his personal account.

Finding Time to Train

Training for a new job is one thing, but doing so while still working full-time in another position presents an entirely different challenge.

To keep up with the demands of the Art Department, Wirt has been using his free time to self-train and prepare for his first assignments as an editor.

“My routine now is to get up, hit the gym, get here at 7 a.m. to start working through tutorials, do my day’s work, then sometimes stay after to study up more on production,” Wirt said.

Watching the CGI effects in movies like Star Wars is part of what piqued Wirt’s interest in video editing and motion graphics. The designer-turned-editor shared how he recently learned to key green screen video, taking a moving person and placing them onto an entirely new backdrop.

A Solid Choice

Fate had a plan with Wirt.

When he first heard of the need for a new editor in Production, Wirt recommended one of his friends. But the department needed someone with agency experience, so Wirt expressed interest, jokingly at first. Once the seed was planted, however, both the department and Wirt realized the advantages of having someone with an art background in the role.

“This is a way for my love of video and graphic design to fall together,” Wirt said. “I can’t wait to bring a design perspective into my editing here.”

by Luke Thomas.

There’s a misconception surrounding education. In today’s workforce, we’ve drawn a line between learning and working. Once you’re handed a diploma, it’s time to enter the real world and get to work – or so we’re told. In truth, the formal education we receive in college does little to prepare us for a lifelong career. With information traveling faster than ever, it’s all the more important to stay current with the latest techniques, advances, and trends in your field.

Why Studying Never Stops

The big difference between college learning and career learning is this: one you’re forced to do, and the other you must elect to do. But both are equally as vital.

Dennis Johnson has been in the automotive advertising industry for decades. Even more, he’s been with SAM founder Mike Strong since the beginning. It goes without saying that he has become a master at staying on top of, and sometimes ahead of, the industry’s trends.

“Business lives and dies by the adage ‘Lead, follow, or get out of the way,’ and it is especially true in automotive merchandising,” Johnson said. “The ‘latest and greatest’ has always been the shiniest stone. With access to so much information today, if you walk into a meeting and are not abreast of what’s going on, you cannot command respect.”

Can you imagine if a technology or fashion firm continued producing the same product without ever updating or setting new trends? It would be defunct in a matter of years. The same is true in advertising. Even in your own niche, it is important to understand that the world is always evolving, so you must too.

Always Evolving

When it comes to staying current in your field, Johnson maintains that it is more of a mindset than a method. He councils that it requires both an open mind and eyes wide open.

Over the years, even the methods by which Johnson has stayed up-to-date have evolved.

“Our standard for commercial greatness years ago was limited to network television, and that was three networks,” Johnson said. “We would tape primetime shows and sporting events focusing on the commercials – the graphics, the music tracks, word count – and apply those in our production.”

He continued with an anecdote on Mike Strong’s always-keen mindset.

“In the late 80s, Mike Strong returned from a Colorado skiing trip with a half-dozen jackets all designed with neon colors. He said, ‘These colors are the future, everybody’s wearing them, put them in our color palette today.’ Everything we are exposed to in our world, when processed through a filter of how can I use this and do so more effectively, is the foundation for expanding skill sets.”

Tips for Staying Up-to-Date

While much of staying current in your craft requires the right mindset, Johnson did have a few practical tips to share.

• Keep a journal to write down ideas stimulated by experiences – they go as fast as they come.
• Relentlessly mine available resources, search for emerging resources, and expand both lists.
• Never underestimate how much you can learn by listening.
• Keep your mind and your eyes open to the world around you, it’s your market.
• Clearly understand that those who only know how will always work for those who know why.

 

Along with Johnson’s time-tested tips, there are a multitude of methods like subscribing to online industry newsletters and following industry-specific LinkedIn groups. Whatever method you choose, the most important – as Johnson has demonstrated – is to never grow complacent.

by Luke Thomas.

On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Strong family will come together to celebrate our two expectant mothers, Carrie Miller and Megan Cesnick.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the shower planning, and learn more about these moms-to-be before the celebration.

Down the Rabbit Hole

If you hadn’t guessed from the invitation, the theme of Strong’s upcoming baby shower is Peter Rabit. Given that both Cesnick and Miller are expecting boys, the shower committee saw it as the perfect theme. But that answer wasn’t always so clear.

“We originally planned for a hot air balloon theme,” said Meredith Anderson, one of the shower committee members. “We had already started concepting, picking out décor, and had even gotten the first invitation proof back from Emily. Then, Grace saw an Instagram post over the weekend of Cesnick’s friends and family shower. The theme? Hot air balloons.”

So, the team returned to the drawing board. Anderson, along with Grace Hatcher, Beth Nichols, and Lisa Hall, switched gears and decided on a Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit theme.

“With two moms to celebrate, we hoped to make this one of the most creative showers yet,” Nichols said. “We’ve got surprises in store that we think will make this day really special.”

At the event, guests will enjoy treats like vintage décor and edible table arrangements.

But the pièce de résistance of this shower will be the specially-curated food. The fare was selected based on the cravings of the expectant mothers. Plus, this cuisine has never before been offered at Strong.

If you’d like to bring a gift, diapers are welcome. Tip: Babies won’t stay newborn size for long. Buying sizes 1–3 will make your gift go farther!

About the Babies

The first baby scheduled to arrive is Henry Dugan Cesnick on Dec. 26.

“Dugan is my husband’s middle name and was his grandfather’s name,” Cesnick said. “But I love the name Henry, so here we are. And for the record, no – he won’t be called Hank. It’s just Henry!”

Cesnick’s friends and family threw her a lovely shower in September, themed to – spoiler alert – hot air balloons. At the shower, she got to indulge guilt-free in her love for Big Spoon ice cream sandwiches. After all, it doesn’t count if it’s a craving!

Arriving right on the heels of baby Cesnick is Jackson Daniel Miller. The official due date for Carrie Miller is Jan. 13, but her doctor predicts that may move up to New Year’s Day.

For her family and friends shower, Miller’s loved ones hosted an ocean-themed party, as she and her husband have constructed an ocean-themed nursery.

As far as cravings go, Miller said she has experienced a pretty mild pregnancy.

“I wasn’t able to smell or eat bananas for the longest, which is crazy because I love bananas,” Miller said.

 

While we will miss these future moms when they’re away, we at Strong are thrilled to help celebrate these precious new additions.

by Luke Thomas.

Growing up in Washington, Evan Peterson marveled at the soaring, snowy caps of Mount Rainier. To him, it represented both a landmark and a challenge. But it wasn’t until moving to Birmingham that he found his thoughts returning to the West Coast, and ultimately to the mountain.

Years after it disappeared from his everyday sight, Peterson made the decision to climb Mt. Rainier. In preparing for the climb, he’s accomplished feats and grown in ways that he never would have imagined. Peterson’s story is an inspiring tale of setting a goal and seeing where it leads. And it’s only just begun.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

After making the decision to climb one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, Peterson knew the first step was to start training. This was no stroll in the park, after all.

While Alabama’s mountains provide splendid views of the city and are home to expansive state parks, they’re no match for Mt. Rainier. Reaching the summit requires incredible amounts of strength, stamina, and endurance. So to train, Peterson started running.

“After a while, I was doing 7-mile runs 3 or 4 days a week,” Peterson said. “I realized I was already halfway through marathon training.”

As a step toward his mountainous goal, Peterson registered for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. On Saturday, Nov. 4, he covered 26.22 miles during his first ever marathon.

“I never thought I’d like running,” Peterson said. “When I played baseball for UAB, running was always a punishment. Now, it’s something I look forward to, and I’ve gotten lots of benefits from it.”

Running for three hours at a time is a huge commitment. It helps that one of Peterson’s former teammates signed up for the marathon with him. The two realized that running doesn’t have to be painful; instead, it’s a way to hang out.

“We were surprised when we realized that, after the first couple of miles, our breathing and heart rates evened out, and we could hold normal conversation,” Peterson said. “Being there to encourage each other is really important on long runs when the joint pain borders on unbearable. Knowing we’re going through the same things helps me push through. They say shared pain is half the pain, after all.”

It Takes an Iron Will

Training for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon has opened another door along the way.

While training, Peterson began talking to several friends who had completed the Ironman Triathalon, one of the world’s longest endurance races.

“Running a full marathon is one-third of the Ironman, so I figured why not sign up for the full thing?” Peterson said.

And so began the next phase of his journey. Peterson will compete in the Ironman Canada on July 29, 2018.

Having an extensive athletic background, Peterson has always enjoyed a physical pursuit. But he hopes to gain more than just material benefits from completing the Ironman.

“I expect this triathlon to be a spiritual experience in a way,” Peterson said. “It’s not like other races or competitions. It’s just you out there. There’s nothing to keep you going but your own heartbeat and pure willpower. Once I complete this, other challenges in life won’t seem so big.”

In fact, one of Peterson’s most compelling reasons for committing to a marathon, triathlon, and volcano climb stems from the desire for adventure.

“Adventure is a funny concept,” Peterson said. “Many people have this romantic view of what it means to be ‘adventurous.’ They create Pinterest boards and dream about living in Italy, but never actually go through with it. That’s why I’m doing this. To see what adventure is out there. Just to live.”

A Start is a Start

For someone wanting to start running, biking, or working toward any new goal, Peterson’s number one piece of advice is to simply start.

“It’s so easy to make excuses,” Peterson said. “You can wait till you’ve got the perfect pair of shoes, a new bike, or hours of free time. But the excuses will always be there. If you want to start running, go outside and run. It’s as simple as that.”

Another important piece of advice Peterson gives is to look at a goal like this as a lifestyle change.

“You can’t do just one piece of the puzzle and expect it all to work,” Peterson said. “When I first started training, I was still going out several nights a week and eating however I wanted. I quickly realized that something had to give. Getting healthy, or working toward any major goal, requires you to change your lifestyle, not just one behavior.”

The Goal is Just the Beginning

Peterson’s story illustrates a valuable lesson in the power of goal-setting. While the goal itself is the first step, it’s often simply the catalyst for much greater growth and change. The skills, self-confidence, and wisdom you gain while working toward a goal are benefits that last much longer than the day you cross the finish line. In fact, achieving your goal would feel pretty empty without all of the hard work and grit that built up to it.

So focus on the goal, but know that the true reward is in the journey.

by Luke Thomas.

So often, the employees of Strong Automotive use the talents they’ve cultivated to give back to others.

And this month, two members of the Strong family have worked to bring joy to others, all while practicing something they enjoy. Read on to learn how these ladies are making a difference.

Bracelets Are More Than Accessories

Anyone who’s had a conversation with AP/AR Specialist Lucy Thrailkill can tell she has a charitable heart. So it comes as no surprise that the colorful, handmade bracelets she sports symbolize something bigger than a fashion statement.

Thrailkill works with her 11-year-old granddaughter, Lucinda, to make and sell bracelets to support Blue Skies Ministries. This charity offers weeklong beach retreats to families combatting childhood cancer. During this hiatus, volunteers from the organization take care of everything from cooking to entertainment. The goal is to give families time to focus on fun times together, lifting them above the clouds of cancer.

 

Lucinda regularly accompanies families on beach retreats as a volunteer and playmate for the children. She came up with the idea to create these bracelets to raise money for the trips, and so far she has raised more than $2,500.

 

Thrailkill is proud to stand by her granddaughter and sell, model, and support her in making these bracelets.

“I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has purchased one,” Thrailkill said. “The money has gone to a wonderful cause.”

To see Thrailkill’s stylish selection of bracelets, come by her desk. And if you see one you like, they’re just $5.

Homecoming: 100 Years Later

In a celebration of the past and the present, Content Marketing Assistant Kiara Cooper will be performing Friday, Oct. 13 at Wenonah High School as part of its 100-year celebration.

 

The former color guard team captain will return as captain of the alumni team. The group has been practicing for several weeks now and will perform in collaboration with the school’s current color guard team.

 

“I’m super excited to hit the field again!” Cooper exclaimed. “It will be great to revisit a memorable time in my life and celebrate the history of the school.”

During Friday’s homecoming game, the alumni auxiliary team will perform alongside the alumni band in the stands for half of the show, while the current color guard and band will perform for the other half. The group has also put together a halftime show.

In addition to their time, each member of the alumni band and auxiliary group is donating money toward improving the WHS band program.

“The marching band needs new uniforms to wear out on the field,” Cooper said. “They’ve been performing in the same ones we’ve had for decades!”

The money raised will also go toward WHS’s upcoming trip to Washington D.C. The group was invited to perform in the capital city at the start of next year.

If you want to keep up with Cooper’s return to the field, keep an eye out for the video documentary she’ll be releasing soon.

In Alabama, the term “tailgate” usually conjures the thought of a tent sooner than a truck.

From spicy buffalo chicken dips to closely-guarded drink recipes, the traditions that we share when tailgating are timeless. Regardless of which team you go for, everyone has memories linked to this especially Southern time of year.

Terry Wirt

1. Alma mater: Florida State
2. Favorite college team: FSU
3. Favorite tailgate food: Juicy cheeseburgers straight off the grill.
4. What’s the best college football rivalry? FSU vs Clemson is pretty good, but we all know Alabama vs Auburn takes the cake.
5. Why do you think college football is so popular, especially in the South? Because we have the best teams, which means more competition, and also means it’s way more fun to watch. Think about it, when’s the last time the National Championship has been won by a team not in the South (besides 2014)?
6. What’s one of your most memorable moments from football season? 2005 FSU vs Miami at Doak Cambell Stadium. The score was FSU 10 – Miami 7, 4th Quarter, 2min left on the clock and Miami goes for a field goal to tie it up the game, they had a bad snap and didn’t get the kickoff, which broke Miami’s win streak(6) versus FSU. I was there in the student section going nuts over that game. Best game of my life!
7. Any big plans for this season? My brother lives in VA, so we try to get together once a season and meet somewhere in the middle to watch an away game. This year we are hopefully going to the Clemson game, should be a good one!

Lindy McCullers

1. Alma mater: Auburn University
2. Favorite college team: Auburn University
3. Favorite tailgate food: Filet mignon, company potatoes, salad with a nice cold beer (tradition for AU vs. UGA and AU vs. UA)
4. What’s the best college football rivalry? Hands down Iron Bowl – Auburn vs. Alabama
5. Why do you think college football is so popular, especially in the South? When you’ve invested so much money and time into a university, that’s why.
6. What’s one of your most memorable moments from football season? There’s so many!!
   • 1994 – Auburn vs. Florida – Famous Frank Sanders TD Catch – My dad got me his jersey signed for Christmas that year
   • 1996 – Auburn vs. LSU – I remember sitting in the stands and pointing out to my parents that something was on fire – The night ‘The Barn’ burned
   • 2003 – 2007 – Being front row of every home game while attending Auburn University
   • 2010 – Perfect Season / National Champions – Attended every home game, SEC Championship and National Championship
   • 2013 – Auburn vs. UGA – Miracle at Jordan-Hare – Ricardo Louis catch
   • 2013  – Auburn vs. Alabama – Pick Six… enough said
   • 1987 – Present – Every Auburn win going to Toomer’s Corner and rolling it with toilet paper (I’ve missed only 30 Auburn home games in 30 years)
7. Any big plans for this season? Heading to Auburn today after work for my first game this season and celebrating my birthday and the Iron Bowl in Auburn

Peyton Chandler

1. Alma mater: UAB
2. Favorite college team: Clemson
3. Favorite tailgate food: Dreamland ribs
4. What’s the best college football rivalry? The Iron Bowl
5. Why do you think college football is so popular, especially in the South? I think it has a lot to do with the traditions of each university, as well as the traditions of fans. College football dates so far back, and in many cases, entire bloodlines of families have allegiance to a particular university. College football in the South goes much deeper than simply watching your team play a game on Saturday. It’s like you’re allowed to act crazy if you’re acting crazy on a college football Saturday. It’s beautiful. And of course, the trash talking makes it what it is. Trash talking over college football in the South has the power to (somehow) sever ties between friendships, which is pretty hilarious, but also pretty powerful. To me, it’s the most entertaining form of sports that we have in the U.S.
6. What’s one of your most memorable moments from football season? Going to Clemson several times a year with family. That’s something we’ve been doing as a family since 2009. It’s my favorite place in the South. But also, spending my time at UAB tailgating at every UAB home game, and welcoming the Blazers back to football this year.
7. Any big plans for this season? Going to Clemson and Tuscaloosa quite a bit. I plan on going to the National Championship again this year, because the Tigers are for real again in 2017. Also, Go Blazers and Roll Tide.

Chris Jones

1. Alma mater: Auburn University at Montgomery
2. Favorite college team: Oklahoma Sooners
3. Favorite tailgate food: Boneless wings (because I’m lazy and don’t want to mess with bones)
4. What’s the best college football rivalry? Red River Rivalry Oklahoma Vs Texas
5. Why do you think college football is so popular, especially in the South?Because it’s something that we excel in. From middle school to high school, football here is a big deal, and most of the players are from the South. So, we get to see people we grew up with or went to school with playing on the big screen without all of the politics and money like the NFL. (Also, student-athletes deserve to get paid – just saying)
6. What’s one of your most memorable moments from football season? Baker Mayfield torching Ohio State in the rematch and planting the flag at mid-field. He shouldn’t have apologized for it.
7. Any big plans for this season? Hopefully watching OU get into the playoffs and make some noise!

by Luke Thomas.

Six months ago, Greg and Kathy Stein took to the streets of Birmingham – homemade lunches in-tow – to feed the homeless of the city. It was something they had done religiously for 20 years, rain or shine, holiday or not.

The selfless couple passed out food for the last time before packing up and starting a new life in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It had always been a dream of theirs to live there, and with the new restaurant they had just bought, it was time to make it happen.

The unfortunate irony of this story appeared just half a year later. The Steins, back in Birmingham, had gone from helping the homeless to becoming homeless.

Such was the result of Hurricane Irma. While the road to recovery will be a long one, the Steins have one thing on their side – an incredible network of friends and family ready to help.

Graphic Designer Emily Johnson has been one of their biggest supporters, raising hundreds of dollars through a chocolate-selling campaign. But there’s more to this story than your average fundraiser. The Steins just may have found their golden ticket.

Hurricane Havoc

Hurricane Irma struck the U.S. Virgin Islands in September and devastated houses, vegetation, and infrastructure. The Steins’ home and restaurant were no luckier than the rest of the island.

The family and chef lived in an apartment above their newly-purchased restaurant, The Thirsty Donkey. It was a dream come true when the Steins saw that the restaurant, which they had first visited on their honeymoon, was up for sale. When they won a trip to the islands last year, they took the opportunity, bought the restaurant, and made the move.

Now, the apartment stands roofless. Debris and rubble are everywhere, the floor collapsed, and most of the interior is left unusable.

With the hurricane approaching, the Steins sought refuge with a friend who lived atop one of the mountains – a retired CIA agent. They made a good choice, since the agent’s safe room, 360-degree mountaintop view, and self-defense training was vital to their survival.

“Looters and robbers were going rampant on the islands,” Emily Johnson said. “When one person would leave the house, the others would watch with binoculars while they returned to make sure no one was following them up the mountain.”

In a phone conversation with her daughter, Kathy reiterated the chaos breaking out.

“People have nothing,” Kathy said. “And they’re getting robbed of the nothing they have.”

 

Help from the ‘Ham

On September 16, the Steins boarded a ferry to Puerto Rico to catch a plane back to the United States. When they arrived, they found overwhelming support.

Johnson banded together with scores of Birmingham residents who had been touched by the Steins in some way. The group came up with restaurant benefit nights, chocolate sales, and a donation site that has raised more than $15,000.

“The Steins have started several big charities during their 20 years in Birmingham, like Monday Runday and Big Benefit,” Johnson said. “After the storm, one of their friends shared a story of her witnessing Greg literally taking the shoes off of his feet and giving them to a homeless man under a bridge. They’ve done so much for this city, it only makes sense we should help them when they’ve lost everything.”

At Strong, the call to action did not go unanswered. At the time of this interview, Johnson had already raised more than $200 on chocolate sales alone in the office. That’s not counting the more than $500 raised from employees joining forces with Strong Shoutouts.

The Steins’ friends have used this money to buy them basic necessities and things like clothes, water filtration systems, and a satellite telephone. With the islands not expected to have electricity for months, these things will be invaluable. The family plans to return this Saturday to assess the damage, reunite with their dog, and start rebuilding their lives.

How to Contribute

If the story of the Steins has made you want to help, there are a few different options.

• Come to Rojo on Thursday, Oct. 12 when 10 percent of all sales will go to the Birmingham Loves the Steins fund. Bonus: Margaritas are $1 off all night!
• Make a donation to the Support for the Steins YouCaring fundraiser site.
• Buy a chocolate bar from Emily. Since the bars were donated, all of the $3 price goes directly to the Steins.

It’s hard to imagine the challenge of recovering from a disaster like this. But with wonderful friends and the stellar support Strong has shown, we know the Steins will make it through.