Sports 07-18-2018

Row Row Row in Revere set for Saturday, Aug. 11

By Cary Shuman

There are many reasons why the annual Row Row Row fundraiser for autism awareness has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the summer calendar.

For one and perhaps most importantly, it’s an opportunity to assist a great cause as Stacey Livote and her planning committee have used the proceeds to support programs and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Thanks to the community’s generosity last year, the committee helped to provide horseback riding, dance lessons, and music therapy for children diagnosed with autism.

Secondly, the spirit of cooperation between the Point of Pines Yacht Club – where the opening ceremony will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 8 a.m. – and The Marina Restaurant And Bar At The Wharf – where the post-race celebration will be held – is something to admire.

Victor Molle, owner of the popular restaurant, puts on a tremendous buffet for all the hearty rowers and guests who participate in the event. There will be musical entertainment by Vinyl Group while well-known DJ Stevie Ray will also be on hand to keep the atmosphere festive and lively. Mayor Brian Arrigo and his wife, Daveen Arrigo, who participated in the event last year, along with State Rep. RoseLee Vincent, will be on hand to congratulate the rowers for their support of the event.

Finally, there is the competitive aspect of the event as the rowers travel down the Pines River in quest of the coveted, ceremonial wooden oars that are presented to the winners in each division.

“Row Row Row in Revere, the tradition continues,” said Livote, noting that the event was actually launched more than 25 years ago by Mary Jones and re-launched in 2017. In addition to being the assistant principal of the Seacoast School, Revere, Livote is also manager at The Wharf.

Andrea Molle, wife of Victor Molle, Jill Simmons-Wetmore, assistant vice commodore at the POPYC, and Jay Bolton, vice commodore at the POPYC, joined Livote at an organizational meeting Monday for the second annual event.

“We brought it back last year and it was awesome,” said Livote. “We raised about $25,000 for autism and funded some great activities for autistic children and their families. We hosted a dinner [at The Wharf] for the families.”

The committee also purchased an adaptive tricycle for a boy with special needs. “And we are currently building a sensory integration gym at one of the elementary schools,” said Livote.

More than 40 two-person teams competed in the event last year. Most of the competitors were from Revere, though a husband-and-wife team from Oregon traveled to the city and won the race. There are nine separate divisions in all age categories.

“We had a great crowd at the yacht club and the restaurant last year and it was awesome,” said Simmons-Wetmore.

Olivia Freni, a Revere student, will sing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies at the PPOYC, which is both the starting line and finish line. The awards ceremony will be held at The Wharf.

“We just want to have a good time and give back to the community – that’s our basic goal,” said Livote. “We’ll be here on August 11, rain or shine. The city has really been great in helping us.”

Added Simmons-Wetmore, “The Point of Pines Yacht Club is excited to once again be part of this exciting event that raises money for a worthwhile cause.”

Residents looking to participate in Row Row Row in Revere can register at The Marina Restaurant located at 543 North Shore Road, Revere.