For 14 years, Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club has been raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through a series of events that will kick off in April surrounding the Leukemia Cup Regatta which takes place in July.
This year, BCYC has set a goal to raise at least $100,000, a lofty but attainable objective considering the club’s long-term commitment to help those suffering from blood cancers.
The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a series of events that combine the joy of boating with the critical task of raising money to help LLS attain its mission “to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”
With something for just about anyone who wants to participate, the Leukemia Cup Regatta events will include a Kick-off party, Electric Boat Poker Run & Auction, Family Bingo Night, Junior Cup Regatta, Harbor 20 Regatta and PHRF Regatta.
“We will kick off our BCYC Leukemia Cup Events with a special presentation by Gary Jobson, our National Leukemia Spokesperson, on April 5,” said BCYC Leukemia Cup Events Chairman Nancy Levy.
Among his many accomplishments, Jobson is a world class sailor, television commentator and author based in Annapolis, Maryland. He is a past president of US SAILING, the national governing body of sailing. Gary has authored 18 sailing books and is Editor at Large of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines. Jobson has been ESPN’s sailing commentator since 1985.
Ironically, in 2003, after years of committed service on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jobson was diagnosed with lymphoma and, in his words, “became a beneficiary of the research advances I had helped support.” Thankfully, he is now cancer-free and remains a dedicated advocate for LLS.
Nancy told me that donations are now being solicited, and anyone who donates at least $100 to the event will be invited to a private cocktail party with Mr. Jobson before his presentation. There is no charge for his keynote address but “reservations for the presentation are a must,” she reminded me. I made a note to be sure and call BCYC to reserve a spot for what will surely be a fascinating evening.
Another of the events that has piqued my particular interest is the BCYC Las Commodoras Leukemia Electric Boat Poker Run and Auction on May 10 for which I easily reserved a spot online.
Since 1949, thanks to efforts of organizations like LLS, the survival rate for many blood cancer patients has doubled, tripled, and in some cases quadrupled. LLS funded drugs are used to treat patients with rare forms of stomach and skin cancers and are being tested in clinical trials for a range of cancers including lung, brain, breast, pancreatic and prostate. Drugs like Gleevec, Sprycel, Arinza, Tasigna and Zolinza are now being tested for patients with other non-cancerous diseases like Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis.
The Leukemia Cup Regatta races are open to all sailors who will not only compete against each other in the race but also see which boat can raise the most money for Leukemia. Trophies and kudos for the highest donations will be awarded.
Sponsorships and donations for the event are currently being sought in order for BCYC to achieve its $100,000 goal. For more information, to become a sponsor or make reservations for any of the Leukemia Cup Regatta events, please visit www.bcyc.org or call (949) 644-9530.
Stay tuned for more information as the event draws near!
Lynn Selich is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of www.OCSocialScene.com, a website devoted to covering the philanthropic efforts by organizations throughout Orange County. She can be reached at Lynn@OCSocialScene.com.
