Watsonville, CA, January 25, 2018 – During West Marine’s Month of Giving fundraiser in December, Associates and customers in stores across North America and online joined forces and raised more than $30,000 to support the company’s nonprofit BlueFuture grants program. BlueFuture provides 50 grants annually to community-based organizations that are dedicated to getting young people on and around the water.
According to Laura Barry, West Marine’s Director of Communications, these BlueFuture grants make a real difference, particularly for grassroots youth programs.
“All of us at West Marine are amazed by the outstanding support we received for our BlueFuture grants program,” Barry says. “For these nonprofits, every single dollar matters. BlueFuture grants allow recipients to buy or replace vital equipment, hire experienced staff, and fund scholarships so even more kids can get out and around the water.”
Each year, West Marine seeks to raise a minimum of $10,000 during the Month of Giving so it can continue funding grants at the current level. Barry says the team was thrilled to learn the results of this year’s campaign.
“By raising over $30,000, we can continue to provide 50 grants annually,” she explains. “It means so much to see our Associates, customers, and friends pull together and work hard to surpass that goal. We’re grateful to every one of them for their generosity during the busy holiday season.”
In 2017, the world’s premier Waterlife Outfitter was able to support 50 nonprofit organizations through BlueFuture. Each grant was for $1,500, and unrestricted — meaning the grant recipient determines how the funding should be used.
The next grant cycle opens April 1 and runs through May 1. Encouraged to apply are nonprofit, youth-focused, community-based organizations that teach sailing, powerboating, fishing or boatbuilding skills; foster aquatic sustainability and conservation practices; and encourage learning in the marine sciences. Interested applicants can visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture starting April 1, click “Grants,” and fill out and submit an application online.
BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund set up through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. To learn more about BlueFuture and how you can help, visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture
About West Marine
Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine, our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare Waterlife adventurers to foster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 250 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun. To learn more about West Marine, please visit the West Marine website at www.westmarine.com
About Monomoy Capital Partners
Monomoy Capital Partners is a private equity firm with $1.5 billion in committed capital. Through its three fund vehicles, Monomoy makes controlling investments in lower middle market businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, consumer products and foodservice sectors. Over the past eleven years, Monomoy has closed over 45 middle market acquisitions, and its companies have produced over $2.5 billion in combined sales and employed more than 5,000 associates across four continents. To learn more about Monomoy and its portfolio, please visit the firm’s website at www.mcpfunds.com
