Annual Appeal 2024

Every Meter Counts!

2024 Annual Fundraising Appeal

Dear Maine Coast Rowing Community,

No matter how we came to rowing, whether it was recommended to us by a parent, coach, or friend or if we were drawn to this unique sport all on our own, we all had a first day on the water. What begins as an attempt to learn something new, get in shape, make new connections, and have a little fun quickly becomes an important part of our lives. For many of us, rowing is a priority around which we shape our schedules, routines, and personal goals, and into which we eagerly recruit others. Rowing connects us with nature and each other as we work together, feeling the boat run out under us at the end of each stroke and creating the energy needed to propel us forward.

It is with this energy that MCRA strives to widen people’s access to and enjoyment of the sport of rowing.

Under Director & Head Coach Dave Spraker and our highly skilled assistant coaches, 2024 has been a banner year for MCRA. Despite erratic weather and our first ever Sturgeon Strike (!), enthusiastic Coast rowers grew stronger together this year, adding new members, reaching personal goals and setting new team bests.

This season’s highlights include:

• The Juniors team defended their state title, making them 2x Maine State Champions!
• Our annual Cow Island Classic regatta hosted more 60+ entrants from 12 teams orgs!
• MCRA competed in 11 regattas this year, across New England and the Northeast.
• We had a strong HOCR, with 10 entries, 3 top five Masters finishes and a great race by our Junior Men’s Double!

As we near the end of this year and look ahead to 2025, MCRA will continue to pursue our vital community goals, which include expanded programming, upgrading and replacing our aging fleet of training hulls, and increasing scholarship opportunities so that we can welcome more student athletes to our Juniors team.

To accomplish our goals and expand our reach, we need your financial support. MCRA is a non-profit 50l{c)(3} and relies on the generosity of community members like you to sustain our fleet, boatyard, and programs. To meet these goals, we are asking you to participate in our silent auction on November 22 and give toward our annual campaign to help reach our goal of raising $15,000 by December 31.