Community Rowing Hosts Boat Naming Ceremony

BOSTON, MA [July 15, 2022]—Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI) and the Cummings Foundation gathered to perform a naming ceremony on the morning of Wednesday, July 13. A red eight-seat CRI rowing shell was named “Cummings Foundation” in recognition of the partnership and support provided through the years.

A boat naming ceremony is a sought out occasion and beloved tradition in the rowing community, usually reserved for a special honor.

“Boats are named in recognition with affiliation or ideals,” said Ted Benford, Executive Director of CRI. “The naming of the ‘Cummings Foundation’ is observing the ideal that this boat will enable growth through rowing to individuals, our community, and our partners. We are very grateful to have the ongoing support of the Cummings Foundation.”

In 2019, CRI received a $100,000 four-year grant from the foundation to support its para and adaptive rowing programs. The grant has had a significant impact on these programs. Rowing is highly adaptable—it truly is possible for anyone to learn and succeed in this sport, at a therapeutic, recreational, or competitive level. This grant has supported customized equipment, coach salaries, and regatta participation to help make rowing more equitable.

In 2020, the foundation enabled CRI to use its grant as operational support—a decision that helped CRI stay resilient through the most challenging period of the pandemic.

###

Community Rowing Inc. (CRI) was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. We invite individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and experience to grow through rowing.