Our speaker for December 15 - Wendy Gillette

Wendy Gillett gave a very inspiring presentation about the Lake Casitas Rowing Association (“LCRW”).  Wendy and her husband, Eric Gillett, started this non-profit organization in March 2008, with just six children and one adult participating.  They have grown rapidly and now have 54 children and 71 adults as members.

The LCRW offers rowing instruction and teams for anyone 13 years or older.  Rowing can be done with four or eight person boats.  All but one of the people in the boat actually rows.  The non-rowing person is called a coxswain and is the person who directs the rowers and steers the boat.  The rowers rely greatly on the coxswain especially since the rowers face backwards and cannot see where they are going.
Rowing offers many benefits to the young people who participate.  It is a great workout that helps children learn the strength of their bodies.  It requires great mental focus and teamwork both of which help the children build self confidence.  Not only does this productive activity keep kids out of trouble, but some of the children are receiving college scholarships as a result of their rowing skills.

When Wendy and Eric took the very first team to a race, it just happened to be a championship race, one of the hardest around.  Regardless, they felt that the kids really needed to jump right in.  They made an agreement with the kids that the event would be considered a success if they could just pass one boat before the finish line.  During the last race of the day, the kids did just that!  Since then, the goals keep getting higher and the kids keep reaching them.
The LCRW is currently operating on an annual budget of $100,000.  Wendy does not get paid and there are many other volunteers who help them.  It costs approximately $1,600 for each child per season.  This amount includes uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, etc.  Approximately 25% of the children receive some type of scholarship.  The LCRW never turns a child away, they always find the money somewhere.  If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a child, you may contact Wendy at www.casitasrowing.org.

If you think that you might enjoy rowing, you can attend a free event being held on January 14, 2012.  You will get free instruction and be able to actually try rowing.

Thank you Wendy for a great presentation and for bringing rowing to Ventura County.

Deborah A. Perkins