OCEAN CITY — Ocean City High School Crew Boosters has some big-ticket items on its wish list this holiday season.
The nonprofit organization, which bills itself as “the engine behind the Ocean City High School crew team,” is hoping to pull together enough funds to rebuild its dock beneath the 34th Street bridge and buy at least one boat shell.
According to its website, ochscrew.com, the dedicated group of parents and other community members has made it its mission to provide financial and logistical support that enables the team to excel.
“We support 75-100 dedicated rowers who train up to six days a week while balancing school, jobs and the everyday challenges of being a teenager,” states a letter to potential donors.
The group’s efforts have paid off with success on the water, most recently with the 2025 National Scholastic Rowing Association Girls Junior 8 championship.
Other championships include the 2019 Girls Junior 8, 2008 Varsity 4 and 2005 Junior 8; 2014 Boys Junior 8, 2008 Lightweight 8 and 2006 Junior 8; Stotesbury Cup championships in 2025, 2019 and 2013.
Now celebrating its “20th year under the bridge and on the water,” the group is hoping to raise $80,000 to $100,000 in addition to the annual goal of about $150,000 to support the athletes on the boys and girls teams.
“Your tax-deductible donation means more than you know. Our program is powered by a small army of volunteers and a community that believes in giving young athletes every chance to grow, excel and discover their strength,” Crew Boosters Vice President Lorie Rice said.
Crew Boosters organizes fundraising events, coordinates team travel and events and provides the funding for equipment and training.
“With our help, the team can focus entirely on training hard and competing at the highest level,” according to its website.
OCHS competes against other public schools, but also parochial and private schools that provide financing for the teams.
Competitions are held fall, winter and spring. The fall and winter seasons are considered club sports, used as training for the spring competitive season. Team members must pay a fee for the fall and winter seasons as the high school does not pay for coaches.
“The Ocean City Crew Boosters is the parent organization that provides the finances to keep the program afloat,” the site states.
The high school is responsible for spring costs including uniforms, insurance, coaches and transportation, while the club purchases the boats and equipment, pays for fall and winter coaches, maintains the ergometer room and the boathouse, runs the food tent and organizes communications with rowers and parents.
The group holds multiple fundraisers throughout the seasons, while parent volunteers work in the food tents at the races, transport food and drinks, work Bingo nights and take on other tasks.
While the events certainly play their part, the majority of the funding comes from sponsors.
“Every single sponsorship directly supports the athletes, keeping them on the water, safe, prepared and proud to represent our community,” the letter states. “Your generosity helps these kids chase big dreams, earn college opportunities and learn lifelong values like teamwork, perseverance and leadership.”
Visit ochscrew.com or email fundraising@ochscrew.com for information on sponsorships and donations.
One of the sponsors, Coastal Marine, is working with the group to replace the dock, offering to donate the labor and work with the supplier to try to get the materials at cost. Still, the project is expected to cost at least $30,000, Rice said.
In addition, while really in need of four new boat shells, the group is hoping to purchase at least one for about $50,000.
Sponsorship ranges from Bronze Level, $100 to $249, to Premier Level, $5,000 to $9,999. Those wishing to gift even more get the opportunity to name a boat in addition to the other recognition.
Last year’s sponsors include
— Diamond: Icona Resorts
— Platinum: Painting by Pearce, Marine Max, Pro Construction, All Seasons Marina, Stephen Bachman Cross Country Mortgage, Ocean First Bank, Halliday Leonard General Contractors, Pete Madden Realty – Goldcoast Sothebys, Rothman Orthopedics, Under The Bridge Rowing Club
— Silver: Keiker Sheet Metal, Downbeach Reiki, Brad and Lorie Rice Realtors, Brayces
— Bronze: Freedom Title Ocean City, Carmen Bello Cleaning and Home Services, Coastal Marine, DeLanzo Chiropractic, Giovanni’s Delicatessen, Hanlon Investments, Law Offices of Kevin J. Barnes, Kung Fu Tea, McCann Realtors, McMahon Insurance Agency, Randazzo’s, ShoreOrtho, South Shore Chiropractic, Sturdy Saving Bank, Swift Law Firm, Downbeach Native, Hughes Electric Co., Atlantic Cape Concrete Pumping, Atlantic Cape Ready Mix, Margate City Beach Patrol.
– STORY by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
