Friends of Harriton Crew
Who We Are
Friends of Harriton Crew (FHC) is the parent group created to provide additional financial help as well as enthusiastic and dependable support for Harriton Crew. FHC was incorporated in 1979 as a non-profit organization and was granted federal tax-exempt status in 2006.
What We Provide
Additional Financial Help
Lower Merion School District pays many of the necessary expenses of the team during the crew season but does not fully fund the program.
Friends of Harriton Crew is responsible for buying, replacing and repairing boats, launches, oars and other gear used by the rowers and coaches. FHC also buys and maintains the equipment and supplies used at the hospitality tent during every regatta. FHC pays for half of the cost of bus transportation for the team to and from practice and for out of town regattas. The awards banquet at the end of the season is also the responsibility of FHC. In the future it may be necessary to accept more of the financial responsibility for the travel, room and board of rowers and coaches when boats qualify for the National Championships. This regatta is located in a different state every year.
In 2007 FHC traded in 2 old boats (>10 years) and bought two demo 8’s. FHC bought a new Stillwater wake less launch to comply with the increasing number of wake less days ordered by the Schuylkill Navy. This launch purchase was partially funded by a grant from the Dr. White Rowing Trust. FHC purchased two launch motors and a waterproof VHF radio system for coach to coxswain communication during practice. FHC paid the fees for the coxswains to attend a certified class to receive additional training in their position.
Enthusiastic and Dependable Support
Friends of Harriton Crew members set up their tents on the banks of the river to serve as a base for parents and rowers on race days. The food is delicious and the cheering is thunderous. FHC is there every weekend from March to May. In the face of unpredictable (usually inclement) weather and parking aggravation the FHC parents come in droves to encourage the rowers to victory.
In 2007 FHC cheered and fed Harriton Crew through 9 Regattas and a total of 51 races. In addition to earsplitting verbal encouragement FHC now raucously rings the Alexander “RAM” Bell presented to us by the Charles Alexander Family in honor of their son’s four years of rowing for Harriton Crew.