Charitable fund will support nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth waterlife recreation, education and stewardship.
Watsonville, Calif., Mar. 15, 2016 — Starting this spring, West Marine is taking a new approachwith its nonprofit BlueFuture program. While the program initially supported initiatives on threefronts — youth boating, sustainable fisheries and marine conservation — the company hasopted to narrow BlueFuture’s focus with the aim of strengthening its impact.
To grow BlueFuture and broaden its reach across North America, West Marine is specificallyfocusing on nonprofit, community-based organizations that share its commitment to promotingwaterlife recreation, education and stewardship among young people.
“We’re excited about the new direction we’re taking with BlueFuture,” says Lindsey Johnson,West Marine’s Director of Communications. “We believe we’ll have the greatest impact if wefocus on nonprofit groups that are dedicated to getting kids and teens on and around the water,whether it’s sailing, fishing, powerboating, paddlesports, boatbuilding, conservation efforts ormarine sciences.
“We want to ensure that the next generation has access to the water, and to the valuable joband life skills that water-based education and training provide,” she continues. “Workingtogether with our partner organizations, our goal is to increase the number of communities —and the number of youths — we serve each year.”
Not only will West Marine now offer spring and fall BlueFuture grant cycles, with fundsbenefitting groups that are making a real difference in the lives of their communities’ youngpeople, but the company also has launched an all-new website,westmarine.com/BlueFuture introducing BlueFuture to a wider audience.
The new site includes important, grant-related information for those interested in applying forBlueFuture funds and details regarding ways the public can help support the program, fromdirect, tax-deductible contributions to participation in West Marine’s three signature BlueFuturein-store fundraising events: National Safe Boating Week in May; World Oceans Day in June;and the Month of Giving in December.
In addition, the new “BlueFuture Heroes” page gives website visitors the opportunity to becomeacquainted with previous BlueFuture grant recipients. Articles and photos share the good workthese water-based organizations, such as Alameda Community Sailing Center in California, aredoing with their communities’ youth.
To learn more about West Marine’s 2016 BlueFuture grants, and for detailed information aboutthe company’s BlueFuture initiative and how you can help, visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture
About West Marine
Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine (westmarine.com,NASDAQ: WMAR), our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare waterlife adventurers tofoster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 260 stores located in 38states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international andprofessional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers,sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, WestMarine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and providehelpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun.
Media Contact
Margo Donohue | press@westmarine.com | 917.679.6945
