West Marine Awards Grants to 29 Youth Boating Organizations
Each is receiving check for $1,500 from the West Marine BlueFuture FundTM
Watsonville, CA (August 18, 2015) — West Marine (Nasdaq:WMAR), one of the world’s largest waterlife outfitters, today announced the 29 youth boating nonprofit organizations that are receiving $1,500 checks from its BlueFuture Fund™. Hundreds of youth boating organizations throughout the country were nominated for the first allocation of the BlueFuture Fund™ grants.
Among others, the winning nonprofit organizations include Kama‘aina Kids, which offers kayaking and other water sports to youth in Kailua, Hawaii; The Sea Scouts of Galveston, Texas; “Challenge the Wind” Youth Sailing Program in Detroit, Michigan; and Kids Can Fish Too!, which teaches fishing basics to children ages 5–12 in Port Orange, Florida.
“We’re very excited to support such an assortment of outstanding youth boating organizations,” says Deb Radcliff, West Marine Senior Vice President of Marketing. “It’s terrific to see all of the great work they are doing introducing a love of boating, fishing and water sports across the country.”
One of the grant recipients was The Alameda Community Sailing Center. Located on the east shore of San Francisco Bay, ACSC is just finishing up its third year of youth sailing camps. “We are delighted to receive this grant from West Marine’s Blue Future Fund,” says Kame Richards, Board President of ACSC. “This summer we have put 140 kids out on the water for a total of 9,800 hours of wear and tear on our JY Trainers and CFJs, not including the hours added to our safety boat fleet. This money will be split between scholarships for our deserving youth and maintenance of our fleet. It has come at an exceptionally good time for us.”
The full list of winning organizations is available at westmarine.com/BlueFuture/Youth-Boating.
Set up in 2015, West Marine’s BlueFuture Fund™ supports marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and youth boating. On June 8, a percentage of all sales at West Marine were donated to the Blue Future Fund, totaling $70,000. For more information on the BlueFuture FundTM, visit www.westmarine.com/bluefuture.
About West Marine
Founded in 1968 by a sailor, West Marine, Inc. has grown to become the largest omni-channel specialty retailer exclusively offering boating gear, apparel and footwear, and other waterlife-related products to everyone who enjoys recreational time on or around the water. With over 270 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and an eCommerce website reaching domestic and international customers, West Marine is recognized as the dominant waterlife outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. West Marine has everything you need for your life on the water. For more information on West Marine, Inc., its products and store locations, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464). West Marine’s stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol WMAR.