News & Events

August 10, 2005

On April 7, 2005, Atherton Public Relations coordinated a Guinness World Record attempt as part of the grand opening activities for Tin Star Restaurant in Elk Grove. To tie into Tin Star’s Texas Grill menu, the attempt was made to break the existing record for eight jalapeno peppers consumed in one minute.

To maximize the opportunity for exposure with Tin Star, as well as alleviate any legal exposure to them, Atherton Public Relations contacted local entertainment guru and food contest veteran, Mark S. Allen of KMAX-TV’s Good Day Sacramento. Mark enlisted fellow GDS reporter, Naj Alikhan. Fellow Viacom station, 100.5 “The Zone”, also provided Chad Skinner, promotion director, as the third contestant. All were cheered on live radio by The Zone’s Shawn & Jeff Show and producer, Steve Zenardi. Good Day Sacramento also covered the event live.

Mark S. Allen successfully beat the original record of eight pickled jalapeno peppers by eating ELEVEN!

After patiently awaiting a response from Guinness for four months, Atherton Public Relations coordinated a special award ceremony for Mark S. Allen live on Good Day Sacramento. Complete with delicious spicy food from Tin Star and Mariachi music, Brad Bruckman of Tin Star presented the official certificate to Mark S. Allen, proclaiming him the World Record Holder for the Most Jalapeno Peppers Consumed in One Minute!

May 19, 2005

On May 19, 2005, Heather had the honor of escorting internationally renowned and acclaimed conservationist, Jean-Michel Cousteau, on a local media tour to promote IMAX’s new film, Sharks 3D.

Cousteau’s organization, Ocean Futures Society, is the presenting sponsor for the film. Sacramento’s Esquire IMAX Theatre was fortunate enough to be able to bring him to town to assist with publicity for the film. I was fortunate enough to be his host for the day!

Everywhere we visited on our media tour, people were recalling childhood memories of watching his father, Jacques Cousteau, on his television program, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. Many recall Jean-Michel as a child and felt as if they’d “grown up” with him throughout the run of the show. One particular DJ recalled actually hanging out with Jean-Michel many years ago when the family sailed into the Florida Keys after a long trip at sea. Apparently it was quite a party!

Jean-Michel Cousteau is continuing to work on ocean conservation through his organization, Ocean Futures Society. It was exciting to hear details of how he is working hard to develop a new marine sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. I wish him much success in this mission as the Hawaiian Islands feel like a second home to me too!