Despite the unfortunate combination of driving rains and light air, the 27th annual Hospice Cup Regatta raised more than $350,000 towards area participating hospices September 27.
More than 80 sailboats braved two hours of motoring around in hard rain and deteriorating visibility waiting for race committees to start or cancel the race. After it was finally called off at 12:30 p.m., the boats headed home, and the sailors moved on to the Shore Party at the Atria Manresa overlooking the Severn River and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The sunshine peaked through the clouds in time for the Shore Party, which was attended by more than 350 donors, caregivers, Hospice volunteers, and sailors--proof that support of Hospice care was the important mission of the day. The turn to fair weather also gave the annual live auction a lift, which raised over $21,000.
The Hank Lawton Trophy for Top Crew Fundraising, sponsored by Hospice of the Chesapeake, was presented to Angelo Guarino of Severna Park, MD, skipper of Bella Donna, who raised over $6,000. For the second year in a row, the Club Fundraising Trophy, sponsored by Chuck and Cecelia Thompson, in honor of Charlette Jeunette, was presented to the Chesapeake Bay Sabre Association, which raised over $4700.
Hospice Cup funds help to pay the expenses not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These dollars enable the Hospices to provide skilled compassionate care, comfort, and dignity to the terminally ill, their families and friends, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice enables patients to carry on alert, pain-controlled lives so their last days may be spent in comfort, at home or in home-like settings. Hospice care concentrates on care, not cure. Bereavement counseling and support groups are part of Hospice services after the loss of a loved one.
The Hospice Cup race is sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA) and counts for High Point competition.
Brave J/105 photo by race committee member Al Schreitmueller
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