Boardwalk Profits vs. Giving
The Santa Cruz beach boardwalk
Today we enter to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk to celebrate a sweet boy we know turning 6 years old.
His mom and I met when our little 2 year old’s were playing in the sand learning how to share sand toys.
Four years later and I can’t help but wonder how it goes so fast. As cliché as that may sound.
It was a gift to see so many families and people celebrating together.
It also made me wonder how all of these people have the money to do this. It is so expensive! Or maybe that’s because I’m old now and remember when taking a slide of photos cost $1 and now it’s $5. When full day wrist bands cost $20 and now they are $80!
I find myself feel more than one emotion on most occasions, but especially in moments like this one. I have the fear my children will be kidnapped when I’m not looking so I end up being hyper vigilant the whole time.
I do my best to sail in the sun, the smiles, the joy when they ride these rides for the first or the second time but tall enough to go on their own.
Then there’s the wondering what could be done with all of the money the boardwalk makes in one day. Let’s say they portion the low end of what it says which is 200-500milion in one year: that’s a daily profit of $684,931.51. That is roughly 4.8 million profit in one WEEK!
In one month that is 19 million dollars in profit.
According to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk they contribute over 1 million a year to charities. My suspicion is this is because they get a tax right off for this. That donation is less than 1% of their earnings.
They say: “this represents the largest charitable donation from any locally-owned, privately-held company in Santa Cruz.”
The profits vs the charity
Ok so I’m stopping my rabbit hole search here at this list of the highest profiting businesses in Santa Cruz.
Considering the Santa Cruz Seaside Company that owns more than just the boardwalk is making in one month what some of these top glassing local communities are making in a year just goes to much they have.
Less than one percent to charitable organizations on the front lines protecting those who need protecting most is not something to gloat about. Make it one month of profit. Imagine what they could do with 19 million dollars spread out to organizations like this one:
It’s hard for me to stomach spending money at places that are taking money from hard working people and using it solely for their own benefit.
When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, it holds up better than places like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, but that’s not saying much.
All I’m saying is make it make sense.
Here we all are in this game of Monopoly, they literally own the boardwalk and charge rent when we all visit for the day.
Make it better.
Give more.
I spent $200 at the board walk today.
5% of that is $10
Giving 5% would be two weeks of their income. TWO WEEKs out of 52 weeks.
Apparently the only way I will be able to sleep at night and take my kids to places that are fun is to charge myself a 5% charge to give away some money because if I have enough to spend that kind of money I have enough to give an extra $10.
I could have easily spent that on a stuffed animal they don’t need.
It’s time to put our money where our mouths are and to back companies who give a damn about our oceans, the environment, charities, and people who are in need.
If you’re headed to this area check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is incredible!
It’s a non profit company.
Check out Gilroy Gardens a water park with rides and fun to be had. It’s also a non profit
Love always,
Danielle Mallett
