November 29, 2022 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni visited the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club (PVRC) to tour the club and see first hand how the club has utilized a drug forfeiture grant from the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.  

Last year the PVRC applied for and was awarded an $8,500 grant for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s Drug Forfeiture Grant Program. PVRC’s application sought to  knock down barriers to inclusion for underserved youth. The award funds are being used for appropriate rowing gear, registration fees, athletic equipment, and  outreach to schools.

Every Monday and Wednesday, a group of about dozen students come to the club from Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School on Plainfield Street in Springfield. The students are introduced the sport of rowing, physical fitness, and proper nutrition.

the program allows for youth to get into a sport they traditionally face barriers to get into. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni stated, “It is incredibly heartwarming to come and see the smiles on these young ladies faces as they go through their workout routine and coaching. I am so proud in the work the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, and its Director, Ben Quick, are doing here in the North End of Springfield.” The DA went on to say, “Our forfeiture program is all about doing good with money that was being used for bad purposes. We want to lift people up, provide a positive structure, and reinforce healthy lifestyles. This is a win-win for everyone.”    

The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit  which operates this recreational facility in the North End of Springfield with the mission to promote river-based sporting activities, to develop river access, and encourage recreation in the Greater Springfield area. PVRC serves as point of access to the river for human-powered craft, located within easy walking and bike-riding distance of downtown Springfield.