By Staff
The Crabs on the Move project generated $44,150 for 16 area charities and nonprofit organizations that help people and animals. It accomplished much more than just that.
If for no other reason, the Pine Needles Garden Club’s public-art project is a success for helping those charities and organizations help others.
Of the $44,150 generated by the project, $36,150.02 was raised during the Crab Ball Gala and Auction last month.
Two years ago, the Pine Needles Garden Club started its Crabs on the Move initiative as a community art project and way to raise money for charities and organizations such as the Zion Shelter and Soup Kitchen, Boys and Girls Club, Beaufort County Humane Society and OPTIONS to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The club had another reason for sponsoring and organizing the project: It wanted the giant crabs to become one of Washington’s identifying symbols.
Zion Shelter and Soup Kitchen received $7,767, which will be used to feed people daily.
Those people are the direct beneficiaries of the dual-purpose project.
Dr. Marty Poffenberger, the veterinarian who is president of the Humane Society of Beaufort County, is one area resident who appreciates what the Crabs on the Move project means to the area. The Humane Society of Beaufort County received $11,243 from the project. It plans to allocate some of its money to the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility, also known as the Beaufort County animal shelter.
The project does show the generosity of area residents. Project organizers and sponsors appreciate that generosity, not to mention recipients of the funds raised by the project.
Bishop Samuel Jones Jr., co-founder of the Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center, agrees. The center is a recipient of project funds.
Jennings and Jones are right. Without the generosity of area people, the project would not have been a success. The project proves that people in the Pamlico region do care about their neighbors, just as the Relay For Life events in the region show each year.
Aside from helping the charities and nonprofit groups, the project brought visitors to the area and created a public-art project that has resulted in positive effects on the city. Many of the crabs are being displayed around Washington and in Pantego, Belhaven, Aurora and Chocowinity.
They are more than just pieces of artwork. They are reminders of people who care about others and their communities. They are reminders that the Pine Needles Garden Club has provided a great service to the community.
Keep that in mind the next time one of those giant crabs is observed.