BUFFALO, NEW YORK – Joined by officials from the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation, New York State Senator William Stachowski today announced that his office has secured a $250,000 grant on behalf the organization. The announcement of the grant was used to formally launch a capital campaign to create an endowment for the ongoing operations of the boathouse as well as to retire remaining debt on construction loan to build the facility.

"It is an honor to play a small role in keeping the Frank Lloyd Wright-Fontanna Boathouse a beautiful and viable attraction on Buffalo's waterfront,” Senator Stachowski said. “The beauty of the architecture and the significance of the design makes this such a worthy destination for architectural enthusiasts. Plus, the boathouse provides a worthy home for the out standing West Side Rowing Club, the nation's largest. This truly is a great facility to be associated with."

“We are extremely grateful to Senator Stachowski for his generous gift,” John D. Meyers, chairman and one of the founding directors of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation said. “This gift creates momentum to launch our endowment which will sustain the boathouse for generations to come.”

Sharon Courtin, the executive director of the corporation said the money provided by the Senator will be used to pay off a portion of the construction loan of the $5.5 million facility. “The Senator’s gift to our organization will help us to significantly reduce what is owed on our construction loan. It also is a great way to jump-start our endowment drive.”
Since opening it doors to the public in September 2007, the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse has become an international tourist destination, hosting thousands of visitors from across the world each year interested in touring the unique structure designed by the renowned architect. It is also a full functioning rowing boat house that hosts six world-class regattas a year and is among the premier rowing venues in North America.

The Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse has also played a major role in the establishment of a Buffalo Public School rowing program, by freeing up space at the Westside Rowing Club and having some of the senior oarsman row out of its facility, public school students can now lean and compete in the sport of crew.
About the Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse Corporation:

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation is a New York State not-for-profit corporation formed in 2000. Through a multi-party agreement with New York State and Buffalo State College, the Boathouse Corporation has negotiated a long-term lease on the land adjacent to the West Side Rowing Club. The Boathouse Corporation welcomes participation by the entire community in this historic project. For more information, visit its website at www.wrightsboathouse.org.