Two nonprofit organizations in Jefferson County will benefit from a six-figure donation by the founder of a regional company that provides jobs for people with disabilities.
The Northwest Maritime Center and the Wooden Boat Foundation will split the $100,000 multiyear donation made by Jim Westfall, founder and chief executive officer of Skookum Corp.
“Skookum believes that the return on our investments should be measured in terms of social benefits to the community as well as economic returns,” Westfall said Tuesday.
The Maritime Center will earmark its gift for a capital campaign, while Wooden Boat Foundation officials will use the money to develop programs for disadvantaged youths.
Westfall says the gifts accomplish two objectives of Skookum’s overall mission: “to build community spirit and to serve the members of our community who are most disadvantaged.”
Westfall started Skookum in 1988 to serve members of the regional community who are disabled.
During its 15 years of existence, Skookum has grown to be one the nation’s leading organizations in training and employing disabled individuals.
It employs 560 people — 75 percent of them disabled — with nine divisions at multiple sites across the state.
