The annual Friends of Port Rowing Gala was an evening to benefit the Friends of Port Rowing Scholarship Fund. The event highlighted the talents of many of the high school rowers. Varsity rowers, Gabe Germain, Max Finkelstein, and Denise Lee treated guests to live musical performances. On display were original artwork and wood working pieces by Axl Holmes, Hannah Roth, and alum Ryan Tawil. During the dinner, original poems by Riley Fanning-Hughes and Trey McDermott were presented.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement from Supervisor Judi Bosworth of the commencement of construction of a dock at North Hempstead Beach Park to be used for non-motorized activity. The announcement was followed by enthusiastic cheers from Gala guests.
Mitch Tamkin, President of Friends of Port Rowing, explained, “Councilwomen Dina DiGiorgio and Ana Kaplan, Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Witton, and Town Clerk Wayne Wink were all there standing next to Supervisor Judi Bosworth, who electrified the crowd with the announcement that work will begin on March 26 on a dock located directly across from the Port Rowing Boathouse. This much needed infrastructure will give a boost to our Adaptive Program, which works with young people with special needs. Easy access to the water is key to the growth of our Adaptive Rowing Program, which has plans to start working with our War Veterans who have suffered physical injuries that prevent them from using typical rowing shells. Friends of Port Rowing has invested significantly in rowing equipment that meets the needs for our Adaptive Program. This rowing dock will significantly help the efficiency of all programs! It’s a game changer!”
Friends of Port Rowing thanks the Peter and Jeri Dejana Family Foundation for sponsoring the event. In addition, thanks go to additional sponsors: The Bossé Family as dinner sponsors, the McDermott Family as dessert sponsors, the Tawil Family as cocktail sponsors.
The Gala 2018, A Night to Shine, was an evening to benefit the Friends of Port Rowing Scholarship Fund. The Dejana Family Foundation and Barbara and Richard Strautman gave matching grants to ensure that any young person who wants to row and grow can have that chance. Additional scholarship funds are provided by a grant from the Community Chest of Port Washington.
As the funding arm to the Port Rowing teams, Friends of Port Rowing supports scholarship funds, equipment and facility enhancements, as well as upholding the mission to build strength and character, teach sportsmanship and discipline, and instill self-confidence for teens and adults on Long Island through the sport of rowing. On April 15, Friends of Port Rowing will host Row for Autism, a local regatta at North Hempstead Beach Park. All are welcome. Spectators are free. For more information, visit www.portrowing.org.
