By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
RUMSON — The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) rowing team invites the community to attend its Indoor Rowing Challenge Fundraiser.
The event will be held from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on March 19 at RFH, 74 Ridge Rd., Rumson. The challenge is open to anyone age 11 and up.
Masters (ages 19-34, 35-49, 50 and up), master novices (age 19 and up) and high school students will row 2 km, and the middle school will row 1 km. The 2-km relay races are open to all ages.
The races will be on 7 ergs per heat, with the race occurring live on a large screen. Winners will be selected in different categories.
The RFH Rowing team was founded in 2007. The fundraiser will allow the team to purchase new supplies for its aging equipment.
There is an average of 50 students on the team, and all participate in this year-round intensive sport. RFH does not provide the funding, but athlete fees and support from the Rumson Boat Race fund their efforts.
Some of the girls from this organization have gone on to receive college scholarships. Three girls graduating this year have been recruited by Rutgers, Miami and Notre Dame.
A mother of a RFH rowing team member, Dawn-Marie Ciardiello, said rowing has affected her personally.
“On a personal level, I have seen this sport’s positive energy change my ninth grade daughter’s life. The sport is family focused and works harder than any travel/competitive sport we have seen our other four children participate in the past.”
Payment for the event can be made online before March 16 or at the event. Online registration is requested in advance so that heats may be set up. Walk-ins are welcome and will be worked in as needed.
To register, visit RFHRowing.com. For information on sponsorships, contact Ciardiello at 732-236-7614 or dmciardiello@gmail.com.
