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Life-saving bra builds brand loyalty

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published May 19, 2006

TAMPA - Earlier this week, Robin Key dodged a bullet.

A lucky combination of her van's windshield, seat belt and her thick bra straps helped deflect a shot fired at Key and her husband, Donald, as they sat in traffic Monday in Riverview.

The bullet grazed her shoulder, but Key, 44, wasn't seriously injured. Deputies later accused two men of the apparently random shooting.

On Wednesday, Maidenform called the Times. The bra company had heard Key's story. A spokeswoman offered free bras and lingerie.

"I'm sorry," Key told a reporter. "I'm a Playtex girl."

Indeed, the real estate agent had worn a Playtex bra on that fateful day, the day that would prompt calls from CNN, Good Morning America, Inside Edition and a radio station in Iowa, among others.

On Thursday, Playtex called the Times, also offering bras. The company's Jane Jacobi was thrilled to learn Key preferred Playtex.

"Can you ask what kind it was?" Jacobi asked. The 18 Hour bra? The Secrets bra? The Thank Goodness it Fits model?

Key giggled.

"It was an 18 Hour bra," she said.

"It has these cushy straps I just love."

Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 813 226-3373 or vansickle@sptimes.com.

[Last modified May 19, 2006, 05:54:11]