15th annual Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake coming up

by Maureen Rizzo

Niagara Hospice

Whether you love to sail, or like to keep your feet on solid ground, the 15th annual Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake has something for everyone. The Cruise and Clambake is scheduled for July 11, rain or shine, at the Youngstown Yacht Club.

Members of the yacht club, along with other skippers from around WNY, will once again generously donate their boats and time to take cruise participants for a wonderful afternoon sail up the Niagara River.

During the sail, participants will enjoy snacks and drinks provided by the boat owners along with live music by The Junkyard Dogs, who will play on the river for the yachts sailing by. After the sail, the fun continues with a fabulous clambake and buffet with all the trimmings featuring live music by Soul Committee. The evening continues with a silent auction with gifts generously donated by local businesses and community members.

The Cruise and Clambake has grown tremendously over the years and all proceeds benefit Niagara Hospice. With a record of 39 boats and 238 participants, the event raised a record of $38,000 in 2013. Co-chair Adam Burns said, "This is a terrific event and we are so thankful to everyone in the community who made it such a great success. We are looking forward to another great year in 2014. It is such a great time for a very worthy cause."

Due to the record number of attendees in 2013, we anticipate the cruise portion of the event selling out once again. Please sign up early if you plan on attending so you don't miss the boat! Not a sailor? Working during the day? No problem. Tickets for the clambake/cookout only are available as well. Come down after work and enjoy the evening festivities.

Details and registration for the Cruise and Clambake are available at www.niagarahospiceregatta.com. If you would like to volunteer, sponsor, or donate items for this event, please contact Maureen Rizzo at [email protected] for further information.

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to over 20,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness.

For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-439-4417.