First State Skate Supply recognized by Autism Delaware

First State Skate Supply owners James West and Joe Moore have been awarded Autism Delaware’s 2021 Outstanding Community Partner Award.

The award is given to a business or organization for contributions to Autism Delaware and the autism community in Delaware. The award recognizes the recipient for outstanding generosity, not only in fundraising, but in community awareness.

David Woods, Autism Delaware’s fund development and engagement director, said West and Moore have no direct connection to autism but saw a mission they wanted to support.

“They didn’t just give a donation or join the walk; they brought their entire business and got the skateboarding community behind this cause,” said Woods. “They raffled off skateboards, commissioned a T-shirt design from one of our POW&R participants, sold T-shirts, included our families, held mini events and in less than a year have become a model for what we hope for in a community partner. We are so grateful they chose autism and Autism Delaware as their major focus to impact the community.”

Last summer, First State Skate Supply sold Autism Delaware-themed raffle tickets, T-shirt and stickers. They also had a walk team for Autism Delaware’s annual Walk for Autism event at Cape Henlopen State Park in October.

More recently, April 23, First State Skate Supply hosted its first Skate for Autism Awareness event at the Epworth Skatepark outside Rehoboth Beach. The duo raised funds by selling T-shirts with a logo designed by Autism Delware participant and artist Hope Pearce.

Brett Gershman, Autism Delaware employment support professional, said the event was huge success.

“James West and Joe Moore are rockstars in our community and do a lot of other great things as well,” said Gershman.

For more information on Autism Delaware, go to autismdelaware.org or call 302-224-6020.