The starfish story, embodied by our starfish lapel pin, is one that can be used for both inspiration & employee motivation. It is a parable demonstrating the power each of us has to make a difference in another person or an organization. It is the story of endurance and perseverance even when it may seem like the chances of success are slim. By taking small steps and making small changes, we can make a difference.

Each card is 5" x 4" and features our Gold Starfish Lapel Pin. Our starfish story gifts are inexpensive, come individually polybagged and are ready to distribute. Click on the image above for an enlarged view of the card and starfish lapel pin.

The Starfish Story

While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it back into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
The old man smiled, and said, "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, "But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the the back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."