​Friends of Westfield Crew (FOWC)
was started in late 2016 by a group of parents of Westfield (NJ) Crew rowers.  The idea for the organization came out of parents attending several annual fundraisers who wanted to be more involved with fund-raising and they wanted to create a non-profit charity to support this sport in Westfield.  It was noted that many successful sports have non-profit charities that are run by supportive parents. 
The goal of the organization was to create a not for profit that could help promote the sport of rowing in the greater Westfield area.  As part of that mission, the group fundraises and uses the funds to purchase for use by the Westfield Competitive Rowing Club.  The equipment purchases are discussed among an independent board of parents of current and former rowers.    

In 2017 the group received confirmation of Federal Not For Profit 501(c)(3) status so that donations made to FOWC are tax deductible.  

Since 2017 FOWC has used fundraising funds for:
$15,200 Purchase of a coaches launch that it leases to Westfield Crew for $1 a year 
$3500 For a deposit for a Vespoli Midweight Quad (four-person racing shell) 
$780 To upgrade the Quad to quick release rigging for faster loading and unloading.
$2000 for Speed Coaches to help the rowers keep track of their pace and time as well as bullhorns for the coaching staff

Below is the Purpose of the organization from the By-Laws.
PURPOSES – The FOWC is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes under section 501 (c) (3) of The Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.  The organization-specific purposes are to:
Promote and foster the sport of rowing in the greater Westfield, NJ community to Middle School and High School students as well as Master Athletes;
To support and foster local, national and international rowing competitions;
To support the development and training of amateur athletes for local, national and International rowing competitions; 
To acquire funds from individuals, associations, corporations, governmental agencies and all segments of the public through contributions, grants, bequests, or otherwise and utilize the funds for the purposes described in A thru C above and;
To do any all things incident to the above 

We are proud to be partnered with the following organizations:
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Westfield Area Y - Men's Club
Westfield PAL
​Westfield Education Association

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