Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association community celebration

Press Release

The Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association (BSRA) – offering community-based rowing on the Buffalo River – is hosting a community celebration to christen its newest adaptive inclusive rowing shell, "OVERDRIVE," from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the BSRA Boathouse, 405 Ohio St., on the Buffalo River in Buffalo’s historic waterfront district.

This event honors the generous financial support, vision, and commitment to our adaptive community of the New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation, which provided full funding for the adaptive rowing shell now joining the BSRA fleet. The boat will serve rowers of all backgrounds and abilities as part of BSRA’s growing adaptive rowing program – aligned with the organization’s mission to foster access, discipline, and transformational growth through the sport of rowing.

The New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation was established in 1999 with the simple goal of giving back to the WNY community. Since inception, the New Car Dealer of WNY have proudly donated in excess of $3 million to numerous local youth and community initiatives to assist with their critical operating needs. This grant to BSRA adaptive rowing is the dealers' latest investment in the WNY community.

The event will include a traditional maritime christening ceremony, featuring the official launch of the new shell, a “row-by” demonstration by BSRA’s adaptive rowers, inclusive of youth and adult rowers, and a finish line splash.

Notable invited guests include U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy; trustees of the New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation and its current chairman, Charlie Keller; board members of the NFADA and its current chairman, Dave Smith; NFADA President Paul Stasiak; New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation and NFADA Executive Vice President Betty Murphy; former New York State Sens. Mary Lou and Ed Rath III; and City of Buffalo Council member Mitch Nowakowski.

“It’s more than a boat – it’s a symbol of inclusion and hope,” said Kristin Arcuri, Esq., BSRA board president.

“There is something remarkable about watching new rowers – especially those with unique challenges – launch first strokes with a smile,” said Eileen Flaherty Ph.D., event chair and BSRA board member. “We are grateful to the New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation for this gift, and we’re just getting started.”

For more information, visit https://www.rowbuffalo.com and https://www.nfada.com.