This evening there is a fundraiser scheduled to celebrate the new construction of the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association’s (BSRA) Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse along the Buffalo River. The event will take place from 6pm-10pm and will feature food trucks, a DJ, rowing representatives from Mount Mercy Academy rowing, as well as a host of supporters of the $1.4M project.
Volunteers for the event will represent Mount Mercy Academy, Canisius High School, Buffalo Seminary, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, WNY Maritime Charter School, BSRA Youth Rowing and the Buffalo River Rowing Club.
The chosen BSRA site, which is currently active with rowers operating out of a temporary Quonset hut, will soon boast a five bay, two-storey boathouse that will accommodate 65 shells, with additional space for training, locker rooms and boat repair facilities. “Buffalo River rowing is returning as a recreational powerhouse” said BSRA Board President Mark Kostrewski. “We’re exceeding our goals for increasing the number of young athletes from Buffalo and WNY on the River as well as providing opportunities for adults and adaptive (disabled) athletes to experience rowing on the Buffalo River”.
This is just another piece of the waterfront puzzle that continues to snap together. The site is located in close proximity to RiverFest Park, Silo City, Mutual Rowing Club, and is situated smack dab on Ohio Street, which is slated to be a major connection route between the Inner and the Outer Harbors.
Recent advancements in the BSRA mission include grant funding from the Wendt Foundation, the Buffalo Creek Development fund (sponsored by the Seneca Nation), and private donations*.
BSRA, 301 Ohio Street in the Old First Ward of Buffalo. Tickets are $50 each, and can be purchased at the door.
Fundraising continues to complete the second phase of construction. Additional information can be found at www.rowbuffalo.com.