Media Contact

Alexandria, VA (May 23, 2006) – Alexandria’s Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) hosted a special event on Tuesday, May 23rd for local children with special needs from four area schools. More than 80 young students along with Teachers and Parents from John Adams, Polk, Jefferson-Houston, and Mt. Vernon Elementary School boarded the Dandy for a cruise on the Potomac River followed by lunch at ODBC. Jan Olmstead, Teacher of Special Education at Jefferson-Houston, said “the children have looked forward to this day. Those that came last year remember all the details right up to the lunch menu. When they go back to school, they will talk about it and write about their experiences. It is really a big deal for them.”

The John Glenn Fireboat met up with the Dandy to treat the children to a “firehose water show.” Quentin Ellmore of John Adams Elementary School, said “I was here last year. I love the fireboat when the water sprays the windows.”

ODBC Club President Eric Desoto said, “Sponsoring events for Alexandria’s students with special needs has been an ODBC tradition for over 40 years. It’s our pleasure to share this experience with these special children. It is heartwarmng to know how important it is to them.” DeSoto went on to say, “we will continue these types of programs that are so meaningful and make a difference to the community.”

Harry Harrington, Past President and ODBC Coordinator of the event said, “many thanks to the owners of the Dandy, the D.C. Fire Department, and the Alexandria Fire Department volunteers who served food to the children. Everyone’s support made this an experience to remember for our kids.”

###

Old Dominion Boat Club

The Old Dominion Boat Club, the oldest rowing boat club in the United States, has been a part of the Alexandria community since its first meeting in September of 1880. Over the course of 125-year history, the Boat Club has consistently had a history of service to the community and as a continuous supporter to the social, recreational, civic, and material progress of the City of Alexandria.

The Club’s community support includes its sponsorship of the Select Fall H.S. Rowing Program, funding of high school rowing scholarships, and a 40-year-long sponsorship of a Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing. Sponsorships also include fundraisers for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, Alexandria Chapter of the American Liver Foundation, the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and making charitable donations to the Make a Wish Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

###