Sailors Set Sights On Raising Research Money

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Will the nation’s kick-off Leukemia Cup Sailing Regatta of 2008 be able to raise even more money than last year? In 2007, this Arizona event raised over $78,000 to help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Arizona’s 9th annual Leukemia Cup Regatta takes place with the 48th Birthday Regatta of the Arizona Yacht Club, Jan. 18-20 at Lake Pleasant. This giant race and party kick off with a one-day Eventagram Centerboard Challenge regatta for small boats Friday, capped with dinner and music on Friday night under a huge tent.

The Birthday Regatta and Leukemia Cup happen Saturday and Sunday with an expected 80 or more entrants, circled by a fleet of spectator boats.

After racing Saturday afternoon, the competitors and spectators will step into the sailing party of the year: dinner, a bustling bar, and hundreds of people having a good time. The evening culminates with silent and live auctions to benefit the Desert Mountain States Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Money goes to aid national research and to assist patient families in Arizona and Utah.

Top fundraisers will be awarded prizes, and sailors who raise $8,500 or more will be sent on an all-expenses-paid “Fantasy Sail” with hall-of-fame sailor and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson.

To become a sailor and obtain a fundraising packet, a list of prizes, to donate an item for the auction, or to learn more about society programs, please contact Karen Chapman at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Phoenix at (602}788-8622, x26, or e-mail Karen.Chapman@lls.org.

Visit www.leukemiacup.org/DM for more information on the Leukemia Cup Regatta. To learn more about the AYC Birthday Regatta, please contact Mike Ferring at (602) 241-7123 or www.arizonayachtclub.org.