A tongue-in-cheek promo turned poignant when the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) and a local funeral home awarded a free funeral package to a local man diagnosed with ALS.
The package, sponsored by Reichel Funeral Home and valued at nearly $10,000, covered all the services normally associated with a funeral — casket, professional services, prep (embalming or cremation), visitation/funeral/graveside service, hearse. Steve Paul, a 64-year-old from nearby Freemansburg, Pa., was chosen during last night’s IronPigs game as the winner of the package.
Paul submitted a 200-word essay detailing his recent diagnosis with ALS — along with the emotional and financial toll it has taken on him and his family — and was chosen from more than 50 submissions to take home the grand prize funeral package.
Paul was honored on-field during the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game and after his heartwarming essay was read aloud he received a lengthy standing ovation from the sell-out crowd of 10,100 at Coca-Cola Park.
“The whole promotion was a blessing and it took a great burden off my family’s mind,” Paul said. “I am thankful of Reichel Funeral Home and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for providing this.”
Added Reichel Funeral Home Owner Kevin Reichel: “It is a privilege and an honor to meet Mr. Paul. I am glad to remove the burden and concern from him and his family at this time and I thank him for participating in this promotion.”
In addition to the offerings provided by Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton Memorial Company will provide a complimentary headstone (valued at $1,500) and Richmar Florist will offer a casket spray of flowers (valued at $300).
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one of our fans and Reichel Funeral Home is providing a great service by assisting a family with these necessities,” said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes.
Image courtesy Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
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