RegattaCentral

The 24th Annual Head of the Rock Regatta will be held this October 11th 2009

The Rockford YMCA Rowing Club and the YMCA of the Rock River Valley are glad to host the largest NCAA event in the city of Rockford, IL. For over two decades, the Rock River has provided a great venue for our guests and rowers. Make sure to click on the Venue box to view the course.

Robert W. Baird, Inc. is our prime sponsor this year. Their generous sponsorship and support helps make this event possible. Robert W. Baird, Inc., a Midwestern-based investment and financial planning company, provides a very informative website, which we invite you to browse: www.rwbaird.com.

This year we will have a silent auction feature items donated by rowing clubs, rowing manufactures, alumni clubs and rowing camps. ?Our Kids? Rock? Silent auction?s proceeds will be contributed directly to the YMCA Strong Kids program. If you are interested in donating to this event please contact Jane Johnson at [email protected].

The Head of the Rock Oar Guide is an accumulation of the clubs oar colors of the most frequent visitors to our event. This year?s poster will feature a calendar so you can circle the dates of your favorite Regattas. Special thanks to www.oarspotter.com. Please visit the site to make sure your oar colors are up to date.

Safety is our first concern at the Head of the Rock, and we will be well prepared with our First Aid Tent and Safety boats provided by our friends at the Ski Broncs water-ski show team. Several First Responders will be located along the course with Automated External Defibrillators, (AED), provided by Philips Healthcare.. Each First Responder is also certified in CPR. We also would like to thank Swedish American Hospital EMS Department, Physicians Immediate Care, the Rockford Fire Department, and ATS Ambulance Services for their time and efforts in making this a safe event.

A significant portion of our proceeds will be donated to the YMCA Strong Kids Program which supports the YMCA?s efforts in helping children enjoy the benefits that the YMCA has to offer.

A special thanks to all of the Rockford YMCA Rowing Club members, volunteers, local businesses, the City of Rockford, Rockford Park District, Winnebago County Sheriff?s Office, and the YMCA of the Rock River Valley for helping make this event possible.

Have a great time!

Ya Gotta Regatta!!

Christopher Graceffa

Director

2009 Baird Head of the Rock