Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has worked around the clock on patroling shores, saving lives, protecting property, and making U.S. waters safe for all boaters. West Marine celebrated the Coast Guards 212th anniversary with a nationwide donations program that raised $5,000 in customer contributions between July 23 and August 25. West Marine will present this contribution along with its own $5,000 matching donation to the Coast Guard Foundation at its annual meeting October 25, 2002 in New York City. The Foundation, a public, nonprofit organization, raises funds for morale and education programs for Coast Guard men and women.
“We are gratified that this program was able to raise a significant amount of money for such a worthy cause,” says Michelle Farabaugh, West Marines senior vice president of marketing. “West Marine is proud to support the Coast Guard Foundation and its mission to enhance the lives of those who do so much to make boating safer for everyone.”
West Marine matched donations made to the Coast Guard Foundation in support of the U.S. Coast Guard. Donation boxes were distributed to all West Marine retail store locations throughout the country. Part of the money raised will support the Coast Guard Foundation Evergreen Fund–a program that supports the morale and wellbeing of Coast Guard members and their families by providing supplies such as software, computers and playground and fitness equipment to stations and cutters around the nation.
According to Coast Guard Foundation Vice President David Guernsey, “The Coast Guard Foundation has a great partner in West Marine. We are grateful to all those who made donations and want them to know their generosity will make a difference in the lives of the Coast Guard members who work so hard on behalf of our nations maritime safety and security.”
Founded in 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for patroling and protecting U.S. waters. From homeland security, to helping the victims of floods and storms to keeping millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs from making their way into our communities, to promoting boating safety and protecting the marine environment, the U.S. Coast Guard is busy on the water every day of the year. You may not always see them, but its comforting to know that theyre constantly on the water if you need help.
For more information about West Marines U.S. Coast Guard Anniversary Donations Promotion contact West Marine, 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076-4100, (831) 728-2700, Fax: (831) 728-2736, e-mail: MichellF@westmarine.com.
