In every crisis, it's possible to find examples of kindness and generosity, of people reaching out to help total strangers out of the goodness of their heart. Starting today at the TDN in this series, we're going to try to bring you a little bit of good news every day.
I noticed the post on Instagram early Tuesday morning. “In these uncertain times, PM Advertising is offering our services free of charge to the first 5 service-related companies that need promotional material created. If you need help getting the word out about promoting your services, please contact us today for a complimentary social media/e-blast graphic to help share your message. Local supporting local.”
Christine Siegel, the Executive Director at PM Advertising in Lexington, Kentucky, explained the motivation behind the post.
“Jon (Siegel) and I were home watching the news last night, and saw all the things that were being canceled and we started to become concerned about the community, and the restaurants shutting down. We have friends in the restaurant industry and we were seeing the worry on people's faces, wondering how they were going to communicate to people that they're still cooking, that you can buy takeout, or get gift cards.”
The Siegels wondered what they could do to help, and they decided they would do what they do best: graphic design, media and PR. “We said what can we do to get their message out because they're so panicked?” Siegel explained. “What can we do as a community to support each other in the face of these challenges that have genuinely struck fear in the hearts of people? That's where it came from. We said, `Let's get the word out for other people who don't know how to do that.'”
Within minutes of posting the offer, all five spots were filled.
The first person to take them up on it was Dan Liebman, the owner of Staxx BBQ in Frankfort, Kentucky, and a contributor to the Thoroughbred Daily News.
Liebman transitioned from Thoroughbred journalism to restaurateur several years ago (see 2016 feature). Staxx BBQ not only offers a traditional restaurant, but is outfitted with a drive-through-helpful in the coronavirus era-and does a catering business used by many consignors to feed their help at sales time.
“That's what it's going to take to get through this pandemic,” said Liebman. “It's going to take helping people you don't know, and reaching out and helping neighbors. We're trying to get our message out that we're still here and willing to serve. Most people are coming through the drive-through, and we got an order today for 70 box lunches, which is helpful. We can't stay and serve it, but we can drop off catering. If a farm or an agency was wanting to feed their staff, as a way of helping out through a crisis, we're available. We'll deliver it. We'll bring it right to the farm.”
Siegel said that a business like Staxx was exactly what she was imagining when they thought of the concept.
“The whole food aspect of the crisis really struck me,” she said. “The schools are shut down and some of those kids rely on those two meals a day.” She said another business that contacted them was a charity that is trying to deliver meals to kids. Yet another was the Pivot Brewing Company in Lexington, which makes cider from apples pressed onsite, and had always billed itself as a community gathering place, with comedy shows, yoga, and a running group, all now impossible in the current climate.”
Siegel said that while they filled all five spots immediately, they were going to do more. “It just shows the need that's out there,” she said. “We're going to leave it up and help as many people as we can.”
Know of someone helping others, or have some good news you'd like to share? Email suefinley@thetdn.com.
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