The History
FROM A SMALL START TO BIG FINISHES
America's largest charity regatta in numbers and dollars, Hospice Cup began in 1982 as an informal race among a small group of people interested in sailing and hospice care.
Netting almost $28,000, the first Cup was amazingly successful...and fun! About 35 sailboats raced from Annapolis to St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. A few private power yachts carried sponsors and guests as spectators. All celebrated the occasion at a post-race party at a waterfront home, where trophies were awarded.
To repeat the success and fun, the founders formed Hospice Cup Inc., an all-volunteer organizing group independent of the benefiting hospices or racing groups. They also recruited a local sailing club to dedicate an existing race on the crowded local schedule to the cause.
Scheduling the race as part of the regular racing season attracted many more sailors, while the organizing board continued to spread the word and attract more sponsorships and hospices. Racing continued from Annapolis to St. Michaels for several years, then shifted to racing around buoys in the Bay, with everyone adjourning to noteworthy parties on the shore.KEY FOUNDERS
The founders who made it happen each contributed aspects that continue as the three key factors to success. Collaborating on the fundraising, sailboat racing and shoreside celebration were Virginia Beeton (now Brown), Josephine Erkiletian, and Al Van Metre.
The women wanted to help Hospice of Northern Virginia (now Capital Hospice). Jo offered her Eastern Shore property for a party. And Al Van Metre, long active in sailboat racing on the Bay and beyond, recruited some of the best racers and race managers for the race. Each also invited their extensive array of friends to participate.
Also involved were many other well-known business people and sailors from Maryland and Virginia, such as Ron Ward, Jack King, Dorothy and Larry Garrett, John Bonds, Ray and Joan Brown, and Mike and Rachel McCutchan.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the ensuing years, Hospice Cup expanded to benefit multiple hospices, now numbering 6 hospices that provide services in communities throughout the greater Washington-Baltimore area. The hospices do more than simply receive funds. They actively obtain sponsors, in-kind gifts and donations, and are essential for communicating the facts about hospice care to the public.
Since that first race, Hospice Cup has raised over $8 million. The money is used for many purposes, but all ensure that all patients and families receive care, regardless of insurance coverage or other ability to pay.