| 16 December 2010
West Marine top brass including Jim Bandy (blue shirt) of the Snook Foundation, at ribbon cutting in Sarasota.Embarrassing Fish Tank explosion reveals corporate character
"Snook Foundation: You guys are just plain lucky!," commented Barry Kelly, Vice President in charge of Port Supply, the wholesale division of West Marine, with a twinkle in his eye.
Lucky, and honored, is what we felt months before when Snook Foundation was chosen as one of seven charities to participate in the "Casting for a Cause" Charity night, a huge event to be celebrated at the Flagship store opening in Sarasota.
Weeks of planning and preparation had led to the moment at 2pm December 9th as we stood in front of a fish tank, ready to receive a dozen hatchery spawned juvenile snook. The tank would crown Snook Foundation's in-store display for the gala evening. Everything was coming together at last.....
But moments later, as a 24 inch section of the tank exploded outward and 30 gallons of salt water and crushed coral flooded the sparkling clean floors of the brand new West Marine store, shock and profound embarrassment were all we could feel. The tank face had suddenly failed, buckled and burst. Terrible as it seemed, it might almost have been worth it just to experience what happened next.
Fortunately, these hatchery spawned snook had not yet been introduced to the tank that 'popped'.West Marine staff, from associates to directors, appeared with mops & buckets, kind faces and encouraging words. The team manned a shop vac, slurping up water and sand from around the gondolas. The national director of community relations, Laurie Fried, even helped me hang up table cloths to dry in a sunny spot out back of the store. Circumstances like these reveal character.
It took time, but before the doors opened for the evening's kickoff, a new fish tank stocked with juvenile snook was ready for public view. We were lucky indeed, that when bad things happened, we were in the right place. I would definitely recommend West Marine as your source of go-to people in time of trouble or for things that matter.
Rod builder Jack Phillips and SF member Clayton share an appreciation of fine workmanship.The Casting for a Cause evening was the perfect counterpart for the frenzied day of preparation. It was hard to realize you were actually in a store - it seemed more like circling around a giant Christmas tree where friends, old and new, were swapping stories, checking out the coolest new gear for fishing and boating, and enjoying the most delicious food and drinks.
I think everyone felt linked together by a love for the ocean and it's fantastic life. Funds raised by auction throughout the evening benefited the not-for-profit service organizations Sarasota Bay Watch, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota Power Squadron, Englewood Sailing Association, and Sarasota Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program, and the Snook Foundation. (Yes, they still let us participate even after we 'christened' the store).
Edgar Hansen with a few fans of "Deadliest Catch" at the West Marine Casting for a Cause evening.I guess there can only be one "Grand Opening Casting for a Cause - Sarasota" - but it's likely I'll recollect December 9th every year and give thanks for what makes us 'just plain lucky' !
To see super photos from the event, check this link: Lori Sax 1
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A highlight of the live auction was a luxury fishing trip donated by Galati Yacht Sales. Edgar Hansen, Deck Boss and Chief Engineer of the fishing vessel Northwestern, as featured on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” agreed to join the crew to sweeten the deal. A delighted Dad purchased the trip for his family. The winning bid of $2,300 was donated to Suncoast Charities for Children.
“This grand opening exceeded our expectations and we’d like to thank the community and our partners for contributing to its success,” said Wayne Seel, General Manager of the Sarasota Flagship Store. “Part of West Marine’s mission is to improve and protect marine habitats and promote youth boating. The funds raised at “Casting for a Cause” will help to accomplish these goals.”
