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New York State Senator Bill Stachowski Announces $250,000 Grant for the Frank Lloyd Wright's Rowing Boathouse
September 15, 2009

Event launches capital campaign to finish construction funding and to create endowment

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – Joined by officials from the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation, New York State Senator William Stachowski today announced that his office has secured a $250,000 grant on behalf the organization. The announcement of the grant was used to formally launch a capital campaign to finish construction funding and to create an endowment for the ongoing operations of the boathouse as well.
"It is an honor to play a small role in keeping Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fontana Boathouse a beautiful and viable attraction on Buffalo's waterfront,” Senator Stachowski said. “The beauty of the architecture and the significance of the design makes this such a worthy destination for architectural enthusiasts. Plus, the boathouse provides a worthy facility for the outstanding West Side Rowing Club, the nation's largest youth-based rowing club. This truly is a great facility to be associated with."

“We are extremely grateful to Senator Stachowski for his generous gift,” John D. Meyers, chairman and one of the founding directors of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation said. “This grant creates momentum to finish our construction funding and build our endowment which will sustain the boathouse for generations to come.”

Sharon Courtin, the executive director of the corporation said the money provided by the Senator will be used to pay off a portion of the remaining construction loan of the $5.5 million facility. “The Senator’s gift to our organization will help us to significantly reduce the balance on our construction loan. It also is a great way to jump-start our fundraising efforts.” The corporation has raised $5.3million toward its $5.8million goal.

Since opening it doors to the public in September 2007, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse has become a national and international tourist destination, hosting visitors from across the country and across the world who are interested in touring this unique structure designed by the renowned architect. It is also a fully functioning rowing boat house that hosts six world-class regattas a year and is among the premier rowing venues in North America.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse has also played a major role in the establishment of a Buffalo Public Schools’ rowing program. The additional space has given West Side Rowing Club the capacity to allow public school students to learn and compete in the sport of rowing.

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