Registration opens for Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake

Whether you love to sail or prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, the 18th annual Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake has something for you. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 14, at the historic Youngstown Yacht Club (rain or shine).

Members of the Youngstown Yacht Club along with other skippers from around Western New York will once again generously donate their boats and time to take cruise participants for an afternoon sail up the Niagara River.

During the sail, participants can enjoy snacks and drinks provided by boat owners - along with live music by The Junkyard Dogs, who play on the river for sailing passengers.

After the sail, the event continues with a clambake and buffet with all the trimmings, featuring live music by Soul Committee. That's followed by a silent auction with gifts donated by local businesses and community members.

All proceeds benefit Niagara Hospice.

The Cruise and Clambake has grown tremendously over the years. With a sellout record of 39 boats and 238 participants, the event raised a record $51,000 in 2016.

Co-Chairman Adam Burns said, "This is a terrific event and we are so thankful to the numerous businesses and everyone in the community who make it such a great success year after year. We are looking forward to another great year. It is such a great time for a very worthy cause."

Corporate sponsors include Sevenson Environmental, Modern Disposal, Compu-Mail, Calspan, Tim Hortons (Robert Burns), Youngstown Lion's Club, RCR Yachts and The Youngstown Yacht Club.

Due to the record number of attendees in 2016, organizers anticipate the cruise portion of the event will sell out for the third year in a row. Partygoers are encouraged to sign up early so they don't miss the boat.

Landlubbers and people working during the day can still partake in the fun. Tickets are available for just the clambake and cookout portion of the event, which begins around 5:30 p.m. Details and online registration can be found on the redesigned website at www.niagarahospiceregatta.com.

To volunteer, sponsor, place an ad, donate items or get more information for the event, contact Burns at [email protected] or Maureen Rizzo at [email protected]. Rizzo can also be reached at 716-280-0728.

Since 1988, Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support to over 25,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call Hospice at 716-HOSPICE.