Make the Eight

Since 1988, the Pitt Rowing Club has been dedicated to a tradition of strength, honor, power, and speed. Through the hard work of every rower in the team's history, we have been able to establish ourselves as one of the top competitive club sports at Pitt, challenging various intercollegiate schools from all over the east coast. 

Many of our competitors hold positions at their universities as varsity programs, meaning their school directly funds them. Pitt Crew is unique because it is a club team, so we do not receive this type of financial support. The responsibility to meet race fee requirements, travel costs, and most importantly, equipment purchases and maintenance costs reside in the hands of team members and fundraising determinations.

Since our 1988 founding, Pitt Crew has grown and prospered over the many generations of rowers that have dedicated themselves to the team and remained an essential part of the community. However, as a growing and established team, not only is it necessary to expand, but also to replace the equipment that we have. This is always an exciting process that supports the team's performance and enables us to reach our maximum potential. Currently, we have an 8-person rowing shell, otherwise known as an eight, that is 20+ years old and unfortunately has nearly succumbed to its age due to wear over time. This eight is rowed by our novice men's team and has served as a barrier for performance during practices and races due to the need to consistently make repairs on minor and major components of the rowing shell.

So, we are looking to retire this shell and purchase a new one to serve the team. Our goal for this project is $6,000 and the money will go toward the entire amount needed to purchase a new eight. Every donation counts, and if we reach $6,000 before the end of the campaign we will be able to stretch our goal to a higher amount and put even more money towards this purchase! We also have fortunately partnered with an organization called GBU Life, which has generously pledged to MATCH all donations up to $5,000. This means that every donation given to support the campaign up to $5,000 makes TWICE the impact to support the team. 

Eights are some of the most competitive boats to race at regattas and thus are every rower's dream to earn a seat in. Crews regularly hold "seat races" where two rowers will compete on the water to determine who will earn a seat in the top boat. Making the top boat gives each rower the privilege of competing in some of the most exciting races against the best crews around. Pitt Crew strives to continue racing eights in the future and hopes to give both our novice and varsity crews the same opportunity to earn their seat for such a thrilling competition. With that said, there's only one question left, will you Make our Eight? 

Please consider making a gift to support Pitt Crew. Donations an be made by clicking "Give Now" at the top of this page or on the "Contribute" button under any of our giving levels. Absolutely any amount helps support the team! Even if  you are unable to give at this time, there are other ways you can help our campaign. You can spread the word to family, friends, and colleagues through Facebook, Twitter, email, and other social media. We truly appreciate your generosity and want to thank you so much for your continued support! 

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Contributions received for this project shall be used in accordance with the purpose described herein, the terms in the FAQs and applicable law. For questions that cannot be answered in the FAQs, please call 412-648-4658 or email engage@pitt.edu.