Starfish Award Winner: Sand & Water

Sand & Water gives back to many worthy causes.

More than a shop

When Sarah Crowley opened Salt & Water with her husband John in 2017, she wanted to do a little more than just sell T-shirts and beach accessories.

“I knew that the business’ great location in a predominantly seasonal beach town would allow me to create a platform to give back to causes that were important for me and my community. I just needed a way to build it into Sand & Water’s mission,” she says. That’s where her idea of custom shirts was created. Customers can pick a shirt, choose a design and have it printed on the spot.

"Our fundraising success is a direct result of our wonderful and very generous customers.” — Sarah Crowley

Doing good

As the store gained popularity, so did the number of designs it offered. The store’s motto, “Be Kind. Work Hard. Do Good.” became the inspiration for the store’s approach to giving back to the community.

Many of the custom T-shirt designs created at Sand & Water benefit the store’s Do Good Campaign recipients.

The Crowleys began creating custom pocket designs for causes that were close to their hearts and named their effort the Do Good Campaign. The organizations that have benefited from the Do Good Campaign include: Friends of the Marshfield Animal Shelter, Marshfield K-9 Foundation, Autism Speaks, Boys & Girls Club, Friends of the Peter Igo Park and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

All of these causes have special meaning for Sarah in particular. For example, she rescued a street dog in Costa Rica and wanted to help other dogs, too. Her childhood best friend’s son has Cystic Fibrosis, and before opening the store, she taught special education teaching primarily autistic children.

She also has a cousin with autism. Peter Igo Park is close to the store and provides a safe place for kids in the neighborhood to play, and she has also been a camp counselor for the Boys & Girls Club.

Staying active

The pocket designs are just part of the way Sand & Water gives back. The store participates in a host of activities to give back to the Do Good Campaign causes, including artisan events, fundraisers, giveaways, raffles, clothing donations and T-shirt designs.

And there’s no sign of Sand & Water slowing down any time soon. “Our fundraising efforts will continue through our Do Good Campaign,” says Sarah. “As time goes on, we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to support causes that are close to our heart.”