North Hempstead, NY – Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, and the North Hempstead Town Board, in partnership with Friends of Port Rowing, are proud to host the Fourth Annual Row for Autism Regatta on Saturday, April 18th, 2015 at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

Spectators are invited to attend this FREE event to cheer on local rowing teams and adaptive rowers as they raise awareness and money for autism. The event is sponsored by U.S. Rowing and attracts teams from throughout New York and nearby states. Last year alone, over $15,000 was raised.

“The Town of North Hempstead is proud to be partnering with Port Rowing for this outstanding event. The regatta provides a fun and exciting way for the teams to gather together in an effort to raise money and awareness for autism,” said Supervisor Bosworth.

"The growing success of the Row for Autism regatta, now in its 4th year, is a testament to the enthusiasm and willingness of the Port Washington community and the Town of North Hempstead to support a great cause. The Friends of Port Rowing are to be commended for their support of adaptive rowing, which also benefits from this event," Councilwoman De Giorgio said.

The event, which will begin at 8 a.m., started three years ago with the goal of combining two interests: the love of rowing, and the need to raise awareness about the growing number of children with autism. New this year, students from “Bach to Rock”, a music school based in Port Washington, will perform during a halftime show.

On the day of the event, the Town’s website will also have a live streaming video of the finish line as the rowers cross over. It will be available at: www.northhempsteadny.gov.

Twenty-five percent of all money raised will be donated to Autism Speaks of Long Island and The Nicholas Center for Autism & Spectrum Designs Foundation. The remaining proceeds will be going towards the purchase of adaptive rowing equipment, which allows a disabled teenager to be paired with a typical peer mentor. Residents can donate in person at the event, or online at www.PortRowing.com.

In addition to competitive races, onlookers can enjoy all the amenities at North Hempstead Beach Park, as well as an on-land and on-the-water “Learn to Row” station, among other event features.

Teams can find more information on registration by visiting www.PortRowing.com. The deadline to register is April 12th. For more information, please call 311.

Supervisor Bosworth, Town Clerk Wink, rowers and Port Rowing officials at last year’s Row for Autism.