Regatta History
What is the Leukemia Cup Regatta?
In 1993, the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland pioneered the concept of competition among boats and crews to raise funds for the fight against leukemia and blood cancers. The Annapolis event raised $30,000. Enthusiasm for the event spread across the country into other markets after a presentation at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's October 1993 Annual Leadership Conference by noted sailing expert and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson. Jobson serves as the national chairman of The Leukemia Cup Regatta and is working with LLS to develop leads to organize other r egattas and sponsorships on the national, regional and local levels.
History of the Events
The Regatta campaign has grown from one event in 1993 to a series of 34 events taking place across the country, raising vitally needed dollars for our mission. To date, Leukemia Cups across the nation have raised over $28 million. Thirty-two Society chapters and 10,000 individuals participated in boating events last year alone. Noted sailing expert, ESPN commentator and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, Gary Jobson serves at the national chairman.
North Texas Leukemia Cup Regatta
Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club on Lewisville Lake hosted the first area Leukemia Cup Regatta in 2002. Sponsors and individuals raised more than $76,000 that year, making it the highest grossing first year regatta in the national event history. In 2004, a centerboard regatta was added at Corinthian Sailing Club on White Rock Lake. This series has earned its place in the top 10 highest grossing events among its national event peers.
Our Goal
Our goal is to raise more than $170,000 in the Dallas Fort Worth area in 2010 to support the ongoing work of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The money raised will support lifesaving research grants, local patient service programs, community outreach and education in North Texas.
Event activities include a great weekend full of great food, and fun with fellow sailors all with a common mission in mind. Dinner, music and silent auction provide an exciting atmosphere on Saturday evening. The planning for 2010 is underway and we need your help to make this an event of a lifetime for all involved.