At Starfish Philanthropy, we help individuals and families facing critical, personal distress by providing targeted support that creates immediate relief and a groundswell of long-term benefits in our community.
Inspired by the Starfish Story, we believe that even small actions at a person-to-person level, can transform lives when provided at the right time and with unconditional support. Whether it’s offering financial assistance, connecting people with essential resources, or providing mentorship, our mission is to quietly make a difference—one person, one family, at a time.
Because, to the ones we help, every effort matters. It is by our example we hope to inspire others to do the same through relatable experiences we call Story-Tells. It is our desire to see a change in social discourse when “givers” and “receivers” benefit. We believe that much can be achieved when we make giving personal.
We recognize that our giving is different and not for everyone. It is intensely personal and based on trust. It seeks no return. It tracks no metrics. It does not scale well. These are the very reasons we are committed to our cause.
Amy Pereira, Founding Partner
Mark Pereira, Founding Partner
One late morning, an old man was walking on a beach strewn with stranded starfish. In the distance he saw a young boy toss starfish back into the ocean. Curious, as he came upon the boy, he asked, "What are you doing with the starfish?”
"The tide’s going out, and the sun is hot," the boy said. "If I don’t help, they’ll die."
The old man frowned in puzzlement. "There are thousands of starfish here. And tomorrow there will be more. You can’t possibly make a difference. "
The boy paused, picked up another starfish, and gently flung it into the waves. Turning to the man, he smiled. "Well, I made a difference to that one."
[Adapted from Loren Eisley's "Starfish Story" (1969) ]
At Starfish Philanthropy we believe that every small act of kindness and giving can make a meaningful difference to someone. This act of empathy during intense periods of distress will change the course of lives for the better. Stories of these intense periods of alleviated distress, we hope, will set others on a similar path of helping others. Over time the multiplicative effects of intense transformative moments, we trust, will bring positive change to those who receive and those who give.