It seems like there has been a lot of drama on Martha's Vineyard this summer: a controversial reality show, looting aboard a stranded boat, a Portuguese Man O' War in June, and of course a visit from the First Family.
And then there's us.
We launched TisburyTurkey.com on July 4 of this summer without a lot of fanfare. Maybe you've seen a Patch post here or there. Maybe you've seen my dad proudly marching around Oak Bluffs in one of our Oscar shirts. But mostly we've been pretty quiet, finding our footing and laying the foundation for something we hope will grow big.
We aim to be the only Vineyard brand whose mission is to give something back. We aim to be the only Vineyard brand that taps into the vast network of Vineyard lovers--residents, summer folk, and visitors alike--to support the causes that make this island so special. How will we do it? With your help.
If you shop online at places like Amazon, The Land of Nod, or Merrell, or even if you use a website like Care.com, you can support Martha's Vineyard without spending an extra penny. Every time you shop online, simply go to our website first and select a store from the list. That store's website will open up and you can proceed to shop and checkout on that site as normal. The only difference is that by starting with us, roughly 5% of your purchase price goes to a Vineyard charity.
Right now we are raising money to sponsor a wounded veteran's trip to the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby through the American Heroes Saltwater Challenge. I'll talk some more about what makes that organization so special and how to nominate your own organization for funds later. But I will tell you one thing now: Up there in Menemsha I found some of the first believers.
Maybe it was her experience with the overwhelming generosity of the people on this island that made Challenge founder Sarah Nixon believe in us. Maybe it was because, as she told me, "a small effort can make a huge difference." Now we're asking you to believe. We are asking you to make a small effort for a great cause. We need your help to reach our goal of raising $4000 to sponsor a vet. So if you believe that you don't have to write a $10,000 check to make a difference, start with us the next time you need something on Amazon. If you believe that residents and visitors alike can come together to support the island they love, like us on Facebook and recruit your friends. And if you simply believe that we shouldn't be throwing away money with our online shopping, help us spread the word and start a movement.
From now until the end of the Derby for every Oscar shirt we sell we will donate $10 to the American Heroes Saltwater Challenge. Are you in?