Hospice Cruise and Clambake raises $40,000

The annual Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake held in July continued its tradition of great entertainment, delicious food and leisurely sailing and power boating up the Niagara River, all to benefit patients and families served by Niagara Hospice. The event, now in its 15th year, raised a record $40,000.

The Youngstown Yacht Club was the setting for the event, which featured local skippers and crews from various marinas donating their time and boats to take participants on a cruise up the Lower Niagara River. While cruising, participants enjoyed food, drinks and the music of The Junk Yard Dogs, which played music on the water while cruising on a pontoon boat. The three-hour cruise was followed by a clambake featuring a basket auction and more live music by Soul Committee.

Event co-chairs Lori and Adam Burns, Melanie and Gary Tisdale, along with the Beatty family and Niagara Hospice, said they are grateful for all of the support. Adam said, "The Youngstown Yacht Club, all of the skippers, crew volunteers and many generous people, local businesses and organizations truly make this event possible. We are so thankful for their support year after year."

Next year's cruise and clambake is scheduled for Friday, July 10. Visit www.niagarahospiceregatta.com for registration, information and updates. Want to get involved? Contact Maureen Rizzo at Niagara Hospice, 716-280-0728 or [email protected].

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to more than 20,000 Niagara County individuals and their families faced with terminal illness. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-439-4417.