Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake raises $48,000 for Niagara Hospice

After a three-year hiatus, the Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake celebrated a big homecoming on Friday, July 14.The longtime fundraiser raised $48,000 for Niagara Hospice, continuing its tradition of hosting a unique fundraiser for a cause so special to many in the community.

The historic Youngstown Yacht Club was the setting for the event, and featured local skippers and crews from various marinas on Lake Ontario, who donated their time and boats to take participants on a cruise up the Lower Niagara River while enjoying refreshments and music by The Junkyard Dogs. The three-hour cruise was followed by a clambake featuring a cookout, basket and silent auctions, and more live music by Soul Committee.

 “The return of the event this year was special for everyone involved, and we are so proud of the $48,000 we raised for Niagara Hospice,” Chairman Paul Beatty Sr. said. “The committee would like to thank our generous community for their support of this event that so greatly impacts the mission of such an important nonprofit community organization.”

A press release noted, “Since inception, the Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake has raised over $650,000, thanks to dedicated supporters. Proceeds for this year’s event will assist in the creation of an innovative memory care garden project on the Hospice House campus, which will support patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”

Hospice is a way of caring for individuals with end-of-life illnesses and supporting their family and loved ones through the illness, dying and grieving process. Niagara Hospice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has provided end-of-life care since 1988, serving over 30,000 patients and their families, and is the only hospice provider in Niagara County. Niagara Hospice is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and care is a fully covered Medicare benefit. Call 716-439-4417 or visit www.NiagaraHospice.org to learn more.