9th Annual Hospice Regatta Retrurns to Oswego

Plans are well under way for the 9th Annual Oswego County Hospice Cup Regatta and Walk/Run for Hope on June 7 at the Oswego Yacht Club and Constellation Energy is the major sponsor for this year’s event. Last year’s regatta was a success, raising more than $20,000 to support Oswego County Hospice patients and their families.

Representatives from the Friends of Oswego County Hospice and Oswego Yacht Club have been working hard since December 2007 to organize publicity, sponsors, and the day’s events.

NRG Energy, Pathfinder Bank, Entergy Nuclear and Alliance Bank are also among this year’s sponsors.

The on-shore events get under way at 9 a.m. with the Oswego YMCA’s 5k Walk/Run for Hope.

Applications for the Walk/Run are available at the Oswego and Fulton YMCA’s and online at www.active.com and www.friendsofhospice.org

The first regatta race starts at 10 a.m., with two more races to follow. A spectator boat will be available for people who want to view the race from the water.

The day wraps up at 4 p.m. with the Hospice & Sailor Reception, a silent auction, drawings and refreshments. Local restaurants and other businesses are donating refreshments for the reception.

Awards for the regatta will also be presented.

The Oswego regatta is a qualifying event for the Hospice Regatta’s National Championship in Annapolis, Maryland.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are available including financial contributions, advertising in the event publication, and donations for the silent auction and reception. Memory ads to recognize a deceased loved one are available for only $20. All donation and advertising commitments must be received by April 30.

The Regatta Planning Committee members are Ginny Gary, Oswego Yacht Club and Friends of Oswego County Hospice Board President; Debbie Bishop, Executive Director, Friends of Oswego County Hospice; Greg Auleta, Oswego yacht Club and Regatta Chairman; Amanda Baker, Alliance Bank and Friends of Hospice Board Member; Carol Nye, Friends of Hospice Board Member/Hospice Volunteer; Dennis Goss, Friends of Hospice Board Member; and Deana Masuicca and Kim McPherson, Oswego YMCA.

Anyone interested in more information, sponsorships or advertising for the regatta can contact Bishop at the Friends of Oswego County Hospice; (315) 343-5223 or oswegohospice@verizon.net

Information can also be found on the Friends of Hospice website,www.friendsofhospice.org

In addition to providing direct financial support for Hospice patients and their families, money raised from the regatta is used in several other ways.

Each year in August the Friends of Oswego County Hospice sponsor Camp Rainbow of Hope at Camp Hollis for children ages 8 to 12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This three-day camp has received the National Legacy Award for Excellence and Innovation.

Donations also support the Hospice Memory Gardens which serve as memorials to loved ones who have passed away, and the flowers are often brought to patients’ homes by volunteers.

The Friends of Oswego County Hospice is a not-for-profit organization committed to supporting Oswego County Hospice patients and their families.

The Friends of Oswego County Hospice promote public awareness of the Hospice philosophy and provides financial support to Hospice patients and their families through fund raising events such as the regatta.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and our host,

Oswego Yacht Club.

We could not do it without you!