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Hernando Today

Storm Preparedness A Gift

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 16, 2008

Who is Wayne Bennett, the "Hurricane Hero?" He's the good guy that a pastor told this writer about because his deeds relate so well to his religious charity in the community.

Bennett recently donated and installed hurricane shutters and storm protection for the local SPCA, Grace Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and the Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary. He wants to help more nonprofit recipients on his list as time and God's direction permits.

As a man of deep faith, some questions were put to him in this special Christian spotlight.

Why are you donating your company's materials and your time in these charity endeavors?

"My mother raised my brother and I to be good Christians," Bennett said, tears in his eyes. "She worked so hard to provide for us and raised us all by herself. There was a long period of time when I wasn't with the Lord, when I struggled with alcoholism. I experienced some sad situations when I had what a friend calls 'frenemies' - people who seem like they are good, who say they are your friends, but who do you wrong.

"I remember some old, but true, advice my mother gave us, so since my discovery of God and His plans for my life, I respect and follow her and God's directions. I know personally that no matter what problems you may have in life, becoming strong in your faith and developing right relationships with God can turn your life around for the better.

"Besides help from God daily, I've had tremendous help locally and continue to have guidance from local clergy and churches. I want these donations to be a legacy in our community as a token of payback. My life has been so blessed since my discovery of God and being sober, I just feel it's time to give back to the community and to churches and organizations that help all of us. These are hard times economically, so we want to help each other. I'm hoping that other local businesses, organizations and individuals will follow suit and donate time and money to be of help.

"For instance, when one woman heard about our donating storm shutters to the SPCA in Pasco County, she donated a check to them for $50,000. Now I feel great about that."

Has your career always been in the construction field?

"I was in retail management until a friend of mine, Greg Henry, became my business associate. He has a repair and restoration company and knows the spectrum of what storm damage can do. Our company, American Hurricane Specialists Inc. then installs protection not only from storms but from sunlight, noise and security for 'the envelope of the building, the home, the business...'

"One time an elderly couple wanted me to see their product for storm protection, called 'Category 5 Screens.' We incorporated their ideas and found prosperity. They eventually ended up just giving me their business as they retired. It was - is - a Godsend. I believe everything happens for a purpose, and when that purpose includes God, He will change your life for the better." Bennett recalled being acquainted with the family of Joel Osteen, best-selling author and the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. He remains a strong fan of Joel and his positive teachings of the gospel.

Tell a little about your family...

"I was born in Clearwater in 1963. I give great credit for who I am to my mother, my brother Robert - a retired Marine, and my wife, Rosalie. My wife works with me at our business, as does our son Stefan. Daughter Lauren is 11, and wants to serve and help people. She's interested in becoming a psychologist. Young son Zachary is only seven and he surprises us every day with his kindness and generosity. We know that money doesn't make the man, so whatever they'll want to do will be fine. We pray and study on the Bible regularly, and I donate on behalf of my faith in God and His blessings because I can... We love the community and want it to be ready for what storms might happen. It's our responsibility as Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to rise up in each of us, to share burdens, to help others."

Tracy Herbert has known Wayne and Rosalie Bennett for 18 years. She is the operations manager for Bennett's company. "Rosalie and I worked in retail together for years, and our kids have grown up together," she said. "The Bennetts are wonderful, and Wayne is a good Christian family man. He enjoys spending time with his kids - that is what I'll say he does for leisure. We're proud of him for giving up smoking lately too, although I think he's hooked on sunflower seeds...."
Storm protection was added to Grace Presbyterian Church in late July. Pastor Chet Okopski explained why.

"Church Mutual Insurance dropped churches in Florida because of hurricanes. When we investigated other companies we were quoted exorbitant premiums. One has a 5 per cent deductible for each damage, based on total property value. So, say if our church is worth $1.3 million, why that'd be... clicks on calculator ...65,000 dollars for each storm damage filing! We decided to drop storm coverage and this generous offer is an answer to our prayers.

"I've know Wayne for a couple of years and he is a fine person. He's even agreed to stage a 'practice day' so we can know just what to do in a storm, and our church could help as a local command post or issue water and maybe food, coordinating with FEMA and emergency crews."

Mrs. Okopski suggested that energy-saving light bulbs replace the old ones in the sanctuary, and she would like to see solar energy panels wherever possible to harness Florida's plentiful sunshine.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the local SPCA say 'Thanks:'

David Green is on the grounds and maintenance committee at St. Andrew's. Bennett home serviced his, so he asked about storm protection for the church. "Wayne reached into his own pockets for the materials and labor for St. Andrew's," Green said.

"He even went to the county and paid the permit fee himself. It's not about when the storm may come. Sooner or later it will come, so now we are preparing thanks to Wayne's Christian generosity and outstanding charity. He's just like that. He even belongs to the Crime Watch where he lives. I don't know how he finds the time and energy, and how he does it. He's a humble man, with a great heart for the Lord and our community."

Bill Ferreira thanked Bennett on behalf of its members. "I remember Wayne saying that in his appreciation for all that we do for the community," Ferreira said, "he wants to help pay that generosity back, so he certainly represents his faith well."
SPCA board member Aline Berry also enthused about the storm protection donated by Bennett's company. "As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, our budget is strained. We couldn't have had this help without the generosity of Wayne Bennett and his workers. We thank them profusely.

"Fortunately we are able to be open every day, and feel safer for ourselves and the animals in case of a storm. So come on over and see our abundance of kittens and cats, adult dogs and puppies. You can take some home."

American Hurricane Specialists, Inc. is located at 13484 Chambord St., (west off Sunshine Grove Road) Brooksville. For more information call 592-2008 or visit their Web site at www.americanhurricanespecialists.com.

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