Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/182036965318156/?ref=22
I think it is an awesome thing that they are doing.
I think it is an awesome thing that they are doing.
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Atlanta Reef Club helping Sandy victims
- Thread starter SeahorseKeeper
- Start date
This is a great thing to see! I only wish I had known about this sooner because we may have been able to get involved and contribute as a club too. We've already commited our donation funds to other causes this year though (Coral Restoration Foundation and Rutgers - IMCS).
The least we can do is thank them for their generosity.
The least we can do is thank them for their generosity.
I really don't want to sound like a party pooper because it's great that people want to help and give back and I don't want to fault them because their heart is clearly in the right place, but I'd much rather have seen them sell every coral and fish, then use that money to help feed or clothe people or help them with necessities.
When it comes to charity, it shouldn't be for people who are spending money on a reef tank because if you can afford that, you're not worried about paying bills because the amount of money I spent on my tank, just setting it up, could have paid rent for a month in the average 2br apt where I live and one trip to the LFS could cost the same as a month's worth of groceries. There's people who are worried about necessities and $20k is a lot of money that other people could use A LOT more than anyone here just looking to restock a fish tank.
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but if they were looking to help Sandy victims, I just don't see how giving people things they want was a better use of time and effort than giving people things they NEED.
When it comes to charity, it shouldn't be for people who are spending money on a reef tank because if you can afford that, you're not worried about paying bills because the amount of money I spent on my tank, just setting it up, could have paid rent for a month in the average 2br apt where I live and one trip to the LFS could cost the same as a month's worth of groceries. There's people who are worried about necessities and $20k is a lot of money that other people could use A LOT more than anyone here just looking to restock a fish tank.
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but if they were looking to help Sandy victims, I just don't see how giving people things they want was a better use of time and effort than giving people things they NEED.
I guess no good deed goes unpunished...
While there may be other things you can do with this money, they're helping out their niche market. Yes if you're biggest worry is your tank after Sandy, then you have it pretty good. But, at the end of the day it WILL make a bunch of people happy. as happy as getting their rent paid or groceries? probably not. but it's still doing what it's meant for, somebody who has the means helping somebody who doesn't because of something they couldn't control. Im not taking your post negatively, im just echoing what the statement for ARC is here:
Obviously these are great people with good intentions. I'm not trying to take away from that.
I'm just saying there is no way that this is the best use of funds to help Sandy victims. There's no way you could honestly argue that helping hobbyists, is more important than giving necessities to the poor. I understand the idea and I know that people here love their reefs, I get the dedication and love put into it and the joy that can be brought by helping people with whom you share something in common. I get that, I really do, but I'm sorry, the pain from not being able to participate in your hobby is NOTHING, it's not even remotely close, compared to the pain of not having enough food or having no place to sleep at night.
I knew this wouldn't be a popular statement here, but anyone who has experienced those things would agree.
EDIT: never mind
That is a very sweet gesture, a literal personal gift from someones heart to another. I think that monetary benefits are much better organized through red cross and other large nonprofits who focus their attention solely on those types of needs, and this was a nice way to keep the reef community close in a way that was known to them.
There are many resources out there to help Sandy victims. Obviously, if you were impacted by the storm and your main concern is your tank then your priorities are screwed up. My tank is down a year now because of Sandy and probably won't be up until next year as I have many other things to worry about. Even though I miss my tank its at the bottom of my list. I took this gesture to help people after they have recovered from the Storm and need a little help stocking their tank.
I don't think anyone would disagree with your point because in reality you are 100% correct. Even the ARC admitted that there might be better ways to help out than restock a tank for a hobbyist.
However, I think their explanation made sense to me as well. You have to realize that people that lost their tanks lost something that was important to them, something they probably spent thousands of hours caring for and nurturing... only to be taken away because they didn't have power to keep their systems from crashing. To many, losing a tank is almost as bad as losing a household pet or even a family member.
It may not be the optimal resolution, but it was something they were capable of doing through their connections in the business. It will make many people happy to get part of what they lost back and that's what they are trying to do. Is it as important as food, clothing, or housing? Certainly not. But it will mean a great deal to receive this generous offer and get their tanks back up and running.
The other thing to be aware of is that they are giving away $20,000 worth of livestock. I would assume that means retail value. They also said they are working with a partner who is supplying the livestock, which to me means that the club is likely paying at or near wholesale prices to give away that retail value away to people in need. They even said the supplier is "making a general contribution to assist in this task" The supplier sells only livestock they breed (nothing from the oceans) so a good chunk of that $20,000 is merchandise they have on-hand. That could leave the club paying as little as 1/3 of the total retail amount... who knows. But my point is I don't believe the club is offering up $20,000 in cash to go to the cause. I don't know this for sure obviously. But, if I'm correct then by doing this large purchase they can get a much better value than just giving the cash.
Again, not trying to dismiss your point. I'm merely trying to show you that they are doing something they thought was a nice gesture and at the same time, maximizing their efforts by doing this instead of just giving cash.
