The Harlem River Challenge

The Goal

To replace Row New York’s annual in-person race with a virtual event that drove sign-ups, donations, and sponsorships.

My Role

Events Lead

The Details

1. I designed a race format with a low barrier to entry to encourage sign-ups.
2. I built registration and peer-to-peer fundraising pages so each racer and team could raise money from their own networks.
3. I designed a campaign that made fundraising easy, with stories about our programs that motivated racers to fundraise.
4. I recruited teams through email, social, and our community of athletes, alumni, and donors.
5. I sent email and social updates during the challenge to keep teams competing and donating.

The Results

• Raised over $80,000
• Attracted 200+ racers on 24 teams, plus additional donors
• Sponsored by a high-net-worth donor, then by Rowing Blazers the following year