New Trier Rowers Climb for a Cause

A team of New Trier rowers, Boys Varsity Coach Nate Kelp-Lenane and some family members raised more than $1800 for Lurie Children’s Hospital by running to the top of a Chicago skyscraper on January 26.

Twenty team members climbed 80 floors to the top of the Aon Center in Chicago’s downtown while raising money for patients and families of the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in the 23rd annual Aon Step Up For Kids. The team was sweaty but proud when it reached the top.

“It was great to get everyone together for such a good cause,” Kelp-Lenane said. “The event has so much energy, and so many people participating from different backgrounds. Getting the students and family members to be a part of this was a real honor.”

It was the 10th year in a row that New Trier rowers have participated in the annual event. Rowers have raised a total of $27,716.00 since 2010. The hospital’s mission is enhancing children’s health through patient care, research, education and advocacy. Lurie Chlldren’s is the pediatric teaching hospital for Northwestern University’s medical school.

The New Trier rowing team not only raised funds for a good cause; it came in first out of 98 teams in the event.