CrossFitters row their way to $100K goal for military veterans

(WJBK) - Three hundred people will hit the rowing machines Saturday at CrossFit in the D in downtown Detroit to benefit a charity that helps active military transition into civilian life.

Organizers of GallantFew's event called the Million Meter Row say it's hard for members of the military when they get out. Whether they saw combat or not, they lose that camaraderie and can feel isolated and alone.

Fifty teams will row 25,000 meters each to do their part to raise money and awareness for this cause. The majority of people participating are part of the CrossFit community in Michigan. Getting them to sign up and support this was as easy as could be -- organizers say they sold out within a week.

Why rowing? Because it's easy, and the rowing machines are mobile, event coordinators say.

A special item, an artistic depiction of the flag with soldiers and the GallantFew name, will be auctioned off themillionmeterrow.com. Click here to bid or simply donate to the cause. As of Thursday evening, about $32,000 had been raised -- the goal is $100,000.