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Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake prepares for 20th anniversary ride

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Mon, Mar 25th 2019 10:25 am

The 20th annual Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake is an opportunity for Niagara County residents to enjoy cookout and clambake fare on the blissful blue waters of the lower Niagara and Lake Ontario. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 12, at the historic Youngstown Yacht Club, come rain or shine. The cruise and clambake is a fundraiser for Niagara Hospice, a local nonprofit located in Lockport.

For 20 years now, the members of the Youngstown Yacht Club, along with skippers around Western New York, generously donate their boats and their time to take attendees up the Niagara River for an unforgettable sail. During that time, attendees can indulge in snacks and drinks that are provided by the boat owners. Participants also enjoy live music by The Junkyard Dogs, who perform right on the river for passing boats.

Following the sailing portion of the event is a clambake and a buffet, with live music by Soul Committee. The evening wraps up with a silent auction that offers gifts donated by local businesses and community members.

Event organizers said, “We are so grateful for the growth that the Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake has experienced throughout the years. The proceeds from 2018’s event allowed Niagara Hospice to purchase a 2018 Ford XL Wagon ambulette customized by MobilityWorks in Amherst, New York. The ambulette features a wheelchair platform lift and securement system with retractable seatbelts that can also accommodate a stretcher. The vehicle is being used to transport hospice patients to and from local hospitals, their homes, and Niagara Hospice House located in Lockport.”

The 2018 Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise and Clambake raised more than $34,000 thanks to a total of 31 boats and 225 participants.

Co-Chairman Adam Burns said, “This event is successful because of the people involved strongly believe in the mission of Niagara Hospice and the purpose it serves. From local businesses to community members, and numerous people around WNY step up to make this event happen year after year. It’s an incredible celebration of summertime in WNY, but is also an amazing fundraiser for a worthy organization.”

Due to last year’s record number of attendees, organizers are anticipating the cruise portion of this year’s event to sell out quickly. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online early to secure their spot. Tickets are also being sold for just the clambake and cookout portion of the event, as well, which will begin around 5:30 p.m.

 Further details, online registration, and pricing information can be found at www.niagarahospiceregatta.com. To volunteer, offer sponsorship, place an ad, donate an auction item, or obtain more information, contact Burns at [email protected], or 716-713-5119; Paul Beatty Sr. at 716-860-2854; or Elizabeth Deeks at [email protected] or 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.

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