In 2025, Friends of Detroit Rowing introduced the sport of rowing to more than 2,500 youth and adults across Michigan—a milestone made possible through dynamic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and foundations.
With the help of dedicated Detroit Boat Club Crew volunteers, we brought rowing directly to Cass Technical High School, Detroit Renaissance High School, Detroit Prep, and USRowing’s RowFest in Ypsilanti. Thanks to our community partners, we also continued rowing programs for Downtown Boxing Gym, Embrace Sportz, and The Detroit Boys Mentoring Club—expanding access and igniting new passion for the sport.
This impact was fueled by generous support from friends, alumni, and foundations including the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, SP Grace, USRowing, The Women’s Sports Foundation, and A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund.
We’re just getting started. Friends of Detroit Rowing and the Detroit Boat Club Crew remain committed to forging new partnerships, reaching new communities, and sharing the transformative power of rowing.
