CROSSFIT GYMS LAUNCH SECOND ANNUAL ROW FOR THE RED CROSS FUNDRAISER THIS SUNDAY

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 4, 2011—CrossFit Gyms throughout New York State are encouraging members to get out and Row for the Red Cross this Sunday, March 6. Nine gyms are participating in the statewide fundraiser that will support Red Cross local disaster relief efforts. Participating CrossFit gyms are located in Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, and the New York City area.

The fundraiser started last year when Jeff Rice, owner of the Flower City CrossFit Gym at Winton Place, decided to ask his patrons to give something back to the community. “I chose the Red Cross because it’s a great organization that does so much for this community every day,” said Rice. Rowers secure financial donations to row a 5K on a rowing machine. Concept2 will donate a rowing machine to the gym that raises the most money. Last year the event raised nearly $4,000.

“It’s a fun and unique way to involve the fitness community in support of the Red Cross mission,” said Debbie Bleier, Director of Chapter Advancement for the Greater Rochester Area Red Cross.

With nearly 80 rowers, this year’s event is slated to raise over $15,000. Media are encouraged to visit the Flower City CrossFit Gym at 3543 Winton Place between 9 and noon on Sunday, March 6.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.rochesterredcross.org or contact us at 585-241-4400.