Support West Marine’s 2017 World Oceans Day Fundraiser, Scheduled for June 5-11
 

Watsonville, Calif., June 5, 2017 – In honor of World Oceans Day Thursday, June 8, West Marine will be selling innovative, fun “pieceless” puzzles at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, and in 75 select stores across North America. Each puzzle is available for $10, and all proceeds from puzzle sales June 5-11 will benefit the company’s nonprofit BlueFuture initiative, which provides vital grant funding for youth-based organizations dedicated to giving young people access to the water.


The puzzles feature original artwork from the two winners of West Marine’s second annual World Oceans Art Contest: 12-year-old Alexandra R. of South Windsor, Conn.; and 10-year-old Owen G. of Cream Ridge, N.J.


“We are honored to be part of West Marine’s World Oceans Day Art Contest in support of BlueFuture,” says Katie Cubina, Senior Vice President, Mission Programs. “It is critically important to connect children to the water as a way to help build stewards for our ocean environment today and in the future. We are proud to help champion this campaign that inspires creativity and engagement.”


To make this year’s event even more exciting, BlueFuture is playing a major role at the “World Oceans Day Celebration at Mystic Aquarium.” Not only will the pieceless puzzles be available for purchase in the aquarium’s gift shop, a new, 30-second BlueFuture video will be on display for visitors and the BlueFuture Kids Zone activity tent will be on site as well.


“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the world-class Mystic Aquarium for World Oceans Day,” says Deb Radcliff, West Marine Senior Vice President, Marketing. “We hope to raise awareness as well as funds. For the sake of our oceans, it’s vital that we join forces and help provide America’s children with better access to the water. After all, those who love the water are committed to protecting it for future generations.”


According to Radcliff, the World Oceans Day fundraiser is critical for the growth of the nonprofit BlueFuture Fund, which distributes tens of thousands of dollars annually through two grant cycles.


“As BlueFuture continues to grow, we’ll be able to support even more nonprofit organizations across the country who are having such a critical impact in the lives of their communities’ young people,” she says. “This fundraiser also is important to us because we believe that sustainable practices matter. We also want to see our waterways clean and healthy, and our fisheries thriving.”


Funds raised on June 5-11 will help fund West Marine’s fall BlueFuture grants. To learn more about West Marine’s 2017 BlueFuture grants, and for detailed information about the company’s BlueFuture initiative 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 (westmarine.com, NASDAQ: WMAR), 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.


About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only belugas. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. Mystic Aquarium receives major support from The Coca-Cola Company, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Resorts World Sentosa and United Technologies Corporation. Learn more at MysticAquarium.org.