At Lake Union Crew, we believe in the sport of rowing and the benefits it provides. In this spirit, we created the Lake Union Crew Outreach Foundation, a separately managed non-profit organization with the following purpose.

• Provide an opportunity through the discipline and teamwork of rowing to build emotional and physical well being.
• Develop a sense of trust, responsibility, and interpersonal skills needed to work within a group.
• Foster an understanding that even the smallest contribution to the whole is magnified by the power of many.

LUC Outreach Foundation provides the benefits of rowing to underserved members of our community, specifically targeting at-risk youth, the developmentally disabled and the physically challenged.

Why Rowing?

"It is an exciting sport that blends hard work, teamwork… we have seen rowing promote a tremendous “Can do” spirit (for which we like to be known in these parts) not only in our own daughter, but among so many of her classmates.” – Mother of a high school rower.

Why Lake Union Crew Boathouse?

Lake Union Crew Outreach Foundation contracts with Lake Union Crew for the use of its facilities and coaching staff. The boathouse at LUC is centrally located on the northeast side of Lake Union, easily accessible via public transportation. At LUC, the attitude that team work is everything is pervasive. It has resulted in a nationally recognized rowing program and a successful outreach program with the Casey Family Foundation.

What is the current program?

We are pleased to be sponsoring a group of 12 developmentally disabled adults this year. The participants are provided with transportation and attend practice every Wednesday evening for 16 weeks. The group is in the capable hands of Coach Dave Anderson along with other Lake Union Crew volunteers.

They finish off the season with a thrilling exhibition race at the Summer Extravaganza on Greenlake on August 4th. Come watch them race!

What are the benefits?

In addition to the tangible benefits of physical conditioning, rowing will provide participants with experiences that can change their lives, long term, in a positive way.

“The members of the crew house provide excellent role models for our teenage daughter with individuals that participate ranging in age from 14 to 60’s. She sees the older individuals working out, training, setting goals, developing group and teamwork skills. What a fine example for a young person.” Parent of a rower

“Lake Union Crew has given our youth vision - that anyone regardless of age, size or gender can participate… Crew demands fitness, teamwork and long term commitment- all important attributes we strive to teach our children… Lake Union Crew has given our youth exposure on a national level. Currently, many of the rowers are being recruited by universities all over the country.” Mother of a rower

“Our daughter is positively motivated by the coaches and members. It is a clean, healthy and safe environment for a teenager to be in. Lake Union Crew, the facility, coaches and members have had a tremendous positive impact on our life. ” Parent of a rower

For more information, or to offer your time, talent or treasure to the Outreach Foundation, please contact: outreach@lakeunioncrew.com.