Philadelphia, PA – The Dad Vail Organizing Committee is pleased to establish “Friends of the Dad Vail Regatta,” a membership supported endeavor to rally both long-time and new fans of North America’s largest intercollegiate rowing regatta.

The 79th Dad Vail Regatta presented by Independence Blue Cross and The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University will be staged on the Schuylkill River on Friday May 12 and Saturday May 13.

Friends of the Dad Vail Regatta was formed to accept financial gifts from individuals and groups to strengthen the financial underpinnings of an unparalleled rowing tradition that began in 1934 and has become an iconic Philadelphia event according to DVROC President Jim Hanna.

Dad Vail attracts crews from as far north as Toronto, Canada, as far west as San Diego, California, and as far south as Melbourne, Florida, and is far more than a regatta. For those less gifted athletically but with strengths in the humanities, Dad Vail conducts an annual art poster award.  For those wishing to row for life, Dad Vail conducts a corporate rowing event as well as an alumni rowing event. Ever mindful of serving the greater Philadelphia community, Dad Vail supports community rowing, ensuring rowing is a sport exposed to youth who might otherwise be denied access.

“We are fortunate to have support from local and national companies that include Independence Blue Cross, Jefferson Hospital, Coca Cola and PECO, and we know others want to be involved in helping Dad Vail go on,” says Jim Hanna, “which is the reason we are offering an opportunity to individuals and organizations to help ensure a stable and strong future for the Regatta by way of this Dad Vail membership endeavor

To join the Friends of the Dad Vail Regatta and make a financial gift, go to www.dadvail.org and click on the Donate Now button.\

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
610-246-5902
levins51@verizon.net