VERO BEACH – The Indian River Rowing Club (IRRC) is proud to announce their first significant gift of $30,000 from Dr. John Kastendiek of Vero Beach and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
The IRRC is a non-profit (501.3c) organization and has established a fund at the Indian River Community Foundation through which the Club manages all of its philanthropic giving in order to assure its donors their gifts will be used as intended.
“I was warmly welcomed into the club,” said John, after learning about the IRRC last year from a flyer. “I want to help them on their journey and sustain their efforts to bring rowing to a more centrally-located part of Indian River County.”
“This gift is an affirmation of our mission,” added Betsy Nolan, president of the IRRC. “John immediately recognized the potential and benefits of rowing here.”
Currently, the club rows out of the C-54 Canal. They share a boathouse with the Sebastian River Rowing Club and assist their efforts.
Novice clinics are offered to new rowers throughout the year.
Recently, the City of Vero Beach voted against their request to build a boathouse in MacWilliam Park.
“We are currently developing other scenarios with different groups to bring rowing to Vero Beach,” explained Shotsi Cain Lajoie, chair of IRRC building committee. “Until then, we have a very dedicated group who continues to support rowing in Fellsmere.”
This year the club will host “National Learn to Row Day” at the canal on June 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Indian River Rowing Club’s mission is to promote and teach the sport of rowing to the community for the health, education, and involvement of a team sport that benefits individuals and families.
For more information about the rowing club, log on to their website at http://IndianRiverRowingClub.com.