TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) — Purdue University's rowing team is raising money for Tippecanoe County families in need. This is through Purdue Crew's annual Row-A-Thon fundraiser.

Friends and family sponsor each rower's race and their goal is to row a marathon in three hours.

Half of the money goes toward team expenses and the other half goes to Lafayette Urban Ministry's Good Samaritan fund. This fund is designed to help families going through financial crises.

Crew President Henri Laliberte said this fundraiser brings many benefits.

"It's great that we can be fit, get out here, get a good work out in and then interact with people in a way that's super positive and gets donations in and gets the community involved in a really positive way with the university," said Laliberte.

LUM Executive Director Joe Micon said this event is extremely beneficial as it is the main fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Fund.

"Rent for families that are facing homelessness and eviction, providing food for those who are hungry, keeping utilities on for those who are facing disconnect," said Micon. "The Good Samaritan Fund is really the community's social safety net."

The Row-A-Thon has already brought in $22,000. Team leaders are expecting more donations to pour in before the fundraiser ends this month.