Loyola rowers raise $58K for program

On the morning of Feb. 25, more than 100 novice and varsity rowers, boys and girls, competed in the Loyola Academy Rowing Association's eighth "Ergathon" relay to raise money for the school's rowing program.

The nonprofit LARA was founded in 1985 as a club sport at the Wilmette school. It's since graduated more than 160 Ramblers into collegiate rowing programs.

Using a GoFundMe account to help support the team, Ergathon raised more than $58,000 for the program. The 2022 figures were not included on the club website, but the amount raised by 468 donors for the Feb. 25 event was the most since Ergathon raised nearly $61,000 in 2018.

Donations over the past seven years have gone to purchasing new racing shells and equipment, a new boat trailer and a truck to tow it, upgrades to Loyola's training facility and boathouse equipment at Skokie's Dammrich Rowing Center, and further financial support.