Mercer Island Rowing Club
COMMUNITY
Newly Formed Club Poised to Bring the Sport of Rowing to Mercer Island Community
Soon to be nestled on the shores of Luther Burbank, the Mercer Island Rowing Club (MIRC) is more than just a sports organization—it's a community effort to create deeper connections between islanders and our stunning natural environment. This registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to making rowing accessible to people of all ages and abilities, fostering both personal growth and environmental appreciation through this graceful water sport.
Why MIRC Was Founded
The vision for MIRC emerged from a simple question: why does an island in the PNW not have a rowing club? The founders recognized that Mercer Island's prime location on Lake Washington provided an ideal setting for rowing, yet the community lacked its own rowing program. They saw an opportunity to change that, creating a homegrown organization that would cultivate a deeper connection to the water while building community bonds.
The organization's mission is clear: to enable individuals of all ages and abilities to access rowing, thereby cultivating a deeper connection to both the environment and the community.
The Team Behind the Vision
MIRC is led by a passionate board of islanders who share a common thread: a love for rowing and a commitment to their community. President Lauren Alexander, a Pacific Northwest native and former rower, brings consulting expertise to the organization's strategic development. She's joined by co-vice presidents Shannon Leversedge, who has a background in high performance sport management, and Jessica Apodaca, a successful business owner with marketing expertise.
Treasurer Matt Hall, a physician and former rower, manages the financial side, while Secretary Julie Love, a Product Leader at Microsoft and former MIT rower, brings creative thinking and tech industry experience. The board is rounded out by Diane Barrett Tien, a community engagement leader, and Richard Counihan, who brings extensive nonprofit board experience and consulting background.
A Strategic Roadmap
Rather than rushing into operations, MIRC has taken a methodical approach to building a sustainable organization. The club established its nonprofit structure in 2024, spent 2025 conducting outreach and fundraising, and is now poised to execute a pilot Learn to Row program this summer.
With approval from Mercer Island Parks and Recreation, MIRC will operate its summer rowing program at the swim beach at Luther Burbank Park until a permanent home can be secured. This staged approach ensures the organization can build a strong foundation and learn from each phase before expanding.
Community Support
The response from the Mercer Island community has been remarkable. MIRC has garnered endorsements from numerous local organizations and has attracted substantial financial support from founding community members. The fundraising success demonstrates genuine community enthusiasm for bringing rowing to the island.
Get Involved
Whether you're an experienced rower, someone who's always wanted to try the sport, or simply a community member who wants to support this initiative, there are multiple ways to connect with MIRC:
Contact: info@mercerislandrowingclub.org
Interest Form: Stay up to date on the latest by subscribing to their email list
Social Media: Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram
Donate: Tax-deductible contributions can be made on Zeffy (EIN: 99-1052037)
The Mercer Island Rowing Club represents a community coming together to create something lasting and meaningful. By making rowing accessible to all, they're not just teaching a sport—they're creating opportunities for islanders to connect with the water, with nature, and with each other in a profound way. As they prepare to launch their pilot program this year, the club invites everyone to be part of this exciting new chapter in Mercer Island's recreational landscape.
Row for MI: Ergathon 3/1
MIRC has their inaugural Row for MI: Ergathon coming up on 3/1! This event brings our community together to celebrate rowing and support our mission of inclusivity and environmental stewardship. Whether you're a seasoned rower or just starting, your participation makes a difference.
Participate in the Ergathon, and enjoy an afternoon filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. You won't just have fun—you’ll be part of an effort to promote rowing in our community. This is a community event where people compete in teams to go the distance around Mercer Island (20km) on a rowing machine to raise $20k for our organization.
Come out and row with us. Let's strengthen our connections with each other and our environment. Your involvement helps keep rowing accessible for everyone on Mercer Island.
Here is how you can help:
Participate: You can either join a team, create a team, or sign up individually to be added to a team. Click on the "register and fundraise" button to get started.
Donate/Fundraise: Don't want to erg, no worries! Every dollar you donate helps us launch next summer. You can also create your own fundraiser by clicking on the "fundraise only" button.
Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.
Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too. Sign up HERE