Donate Now

Author: sai1sup

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat teams up with Connecticut Spring Boat Show to help raise funds for SU4C!

Sails Up 4 Cancer is pleased to partner with the Connecticut Spring Boat Show. This boutique, in-water show is May 4 – 6 at Brewer Essex Island Marina.

Produced by Windcheck Magazine and supported by Brewer Essex Island Marina, Essex Boat Works, Yacht Brokers Association of America, and Yacht World, this show offers boats for every buyer.

A suggested $5.00 donation (from attendees over 13 years old) will go to Sails Up 4 Cancer. Sails Up 4 Cancer is a non-profit organization based in Mystic, Connecticut. SU4C is dedicated to supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research along the Shoreline and Southeastern regions of Connecticut.

Additionally, on Friday, May 4, Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is hosting a sunset cocktail cruise aboard the Riverboat Becky Thatcher to benefit SU4C. Passed hors-d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar is available 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale aboard Becky Thatcher at 5:00 pm. Boarding time is 6:00 pm, setting sail at 6:30 pm. Tickets are first to come, first served and capacity is limited to 125 guests. ESTR will match all ticket sales up to 125 tickets to benefit SU4C. Proceeds from all bar sales during the cruise will be gifted to Sails Up 4 Cancer.

Hot coffee, cold juices, and morning bites will be available aboard Becky Thatcher from 8:00 am – Noon on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6.

“We’re absolutely ecstatic,” says two-time cancer survivor and Founder of Sails Up 4 Cancer, Bob Davis. “With the projected donations from this year’s event, SU4C will be able to provide direct financial relief to a significant number of families.”

With the creation of the financial, family-assistance program, the Spinnaker Fund, SU4C has been able to alleviate financial stress and give much-needed financial relief to many families. Additionally, SU4C gives significant donations to local Cancer Hospitals, Center for Hospice Care, and Visiting Nurses among others.

For more information please visit www.su4c.org or contact Rdavis@su4c.org

Throw a bag for a great cause!

Sails Up 4 Cancer Evening with Mystic Cornhole Co. Tournament & Lone Wolf Trio Featuring Dogwatch Mystic BBQ June 15 & 16, 2018

Sails Up 4 Cancer combines Cornhole and live music from Lone Wolf Trio for an evening of fun plus delicious Dogwatch BBQ!

The event takes place on June 15, 6 pm, at Mystic Shipyard, 100 Essex Street, Mystic, CT. The music is free and open to the public, but donations to Sails Up are strongly encouraged. If you wish to eat and drink, or be in the Cornhole tournament, the prices are:

CORNHOLE & BBQ: $40 per team (2 players)
INCLUDES: Cornhole Tournament • Pulled Pork, Mac n’ Cheese, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw • Four Drink Tickets

BBQ ONLY: $20
INCLUDES: Pulled Pork, Mac n’ Cheese, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw • Two Drink Tickets

DRINKS ONLY: Drink Tickets $5/each

Sails Up 4 Cancer, now in its seventh year, is a charity organization dedicated to funding care, cures, research, education, and prevention for all types of cancer. This is accomplished through the art and enjoyment of sailing and other terrific events. Sails Up 4 Cancer has been able to assist many local cancer care centers plus Hospice organizations, our local Cancer Care Hospital, children afflicted with cancer, and both individuals and families struggling financially while battling cancer.

The Lone Wolf Trio will be on stage delivering the music audiences want to hear. Blending straight up rock and roll, diverse and alternative styling with a good time, hard driving sound, Lone Wolf locks the groove for dancing and listening. Come dance to some great music for a great cause!

Mystic Cornhole Company offers custom high-quality, heavy-duty boards and runs terrific tournaments.

Sailing instructions and a brief Q& A session will also be held for the Skippers participating in Saturday’s Regatta. Come play and listen under the big tent. Free parking.

For more information about the Friday tournament and the regatta and post-sailing- party on Saturday, please visit: su4c.org

Sails Up would like to encourage your organization to apply for one of our grants. Institutions may apply for grants with the emphasis on needs and ear mark exactly what the funds will be used for. Evidence of the use of funds will be required within a specified time frame. Cancer patients and families may apply for grants through our Spinnaker Fund. Applications are available at su4c.org.

For Further information: Bob Davis, Sails Up 4 Cancer • Rdavis@su4c.org • www.su4c.org

    Our Sponsor

On Watch – Bob Davis

POSTED BY 120SC ON JUNE 01, 2017

As the Founder and CEO of Sails Up 4 Cancer, Bob Davis is a two-time cancer survivor who’s using the sport he loves to help countless people in southeastern Connecticut.

“Compared to the guys I sail with I got started pretty late, sailing an old Sunfish around Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey,” says Bob, a longtime resident of Niantic.  “It was really cool to be out there sailing alone, especially at dusk. If I had to pick a sailing mentor, it would have to be Jeffery Lutz from Point Pleasant, NJ. I always admired his skills and the fun he had…not taking himself too seriously. Much later, I had the good fortune to race a Colgate 26 with Gary Jobson at the helm. I was starstruck! Gary was incredibly calm and focused, and it was a tremendous experience.”

Bob is an enthusiastic member of the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association. “The Mudheads is a fantastic organization with great sailors, and it’s a real honor to sail with and learn from some of the most talented sailors in our area,” he says. “I volunteer for a variety of events and committees, and I’m ecstatic that they perform Race Committee duties for the Sails Up 4 Cancer Regatta. They’re the best – no one comes close. The entire membership is such an integral part of our community in so many ways.”

“When I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2004, I wasn’t prepared to just sit back and not become actively involved with my prognosis, although at the time was ‘watch and wait.’ I became involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, who at the time had a regatta run by the Mudheads in Mystic. That was all it took to appreciate how many sailors were affected by leukemia and committed to raising money to put an end to these cancers. It was very moving. In 2010, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. They call it ‘The Beast.’ It’s a horrible cancer with a low survival rate and grueling treatment. Well, I beat it. I was incredibly lucky and knew I needed to do more to return my good fortune to the cancer patient community.”

“We held our first Sails Up 4 Cancer Regatta in June of 2011,” says Bob. “I was pretty stressed, but it wasn’t as chaotic as it could have been. We had a great group of volunteers and I had quite a bit of experience with the Leukemia Cup Regattas. This was my baby and it was important to me for it to be successful, not only as a regatta but also as a fundraiser. We’re now in our seventh year, and the event is pretty much on autopilot. We’re set with the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association, which has been great to us. We’re dialed in with the Mudhead Race Committee, and we have a much larger board and volunteer base. We have a great group of repeat sponsors and donations for our silent auction. Jeff Marshall and the staff at Mystic Shipyard are a tremendous source of support, having hosted the event under the big tent and helping out with the stage, power, ice and overall logistics.”

“We now dedicate our efforts from the Sails Up 4 Cancer Regatta to Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, and we continue to raise the bar with participants in our Wellness Expo, which is near and dear to me. As a cancer survivor, I believe it’s extremely important to integrate traditional treatment with stress reduction modalities to increase your overall wellbeing and survival chances. Acupuncture, meditation, nutrition, yoga, massage therapy and many other things carry substantial benefits for cancer patients.

Sails Up 4 Cancer (su4c.org) is the beneficiary of the Connecticut Spring Boat Show, hosted by Brewer Essex Island Marina in Essex. “This was our fourth year, and it’s a great show where we garner a lot of really sweet connections,” says Bob. “We also work with Marley’s Café in Essex and Bartenders Express in Branford, who donate a percentage of their revenue to us. We have lots of fun while raising some much-needed funds.”

“The Sunshine Kids are our guests of honor during the regatta, which will be held June 17. They and their families sail down the Mystic River on Mystic Harbor Cruises’ Prudence to watch the start of the race on Fishers Island Sound, and Captain Jonathan Wilkes is also donating a percentage of his year-end revenue to Sails Up 4 Cancer. The Pirates or Free Men of the Sea greet them when they return to Mystic Shipyard, Mystic Pizza provides lunch, and Drawbridge Ice Cream provides ice cream. They have a painting class supervised by Julie Garvin-Riggs and the Florence Griswold Museum. Josie Davis from the String Theory School of Music puts together a group of students for The Kids Playing for Kids Band. Mekhael Srour and Martha Slater of Allure Dance Studio conduct line dancing classes, April Brunnell makes balloon sculptures, Tracey Anderson paints faces, the Mystic Fire Department brings a truck to the Wellness Expo if they’re not on call, and the Mystic Aquarium donates 50 tickets.”

“One of the reasons for starting Sails Up was to earmark funds raised for what I felt was critical, and we specify how we want donations to be used. For example, we requested that our $10,000 donation to the Lawrence + Memorial Cancer Center be divided between their transportation fund and their new Single Woman Head of Household Fund. Through our Spinnaker Fund, individuals going through cancer treatment can apply for financial assistance. If they’re approved, we send them a check directly.”

“The most rewarding thing about Sails Up 4 Cancer is the number of people we have been able to help. It’s the smiles on the faces of children when they’re on a boat for the first time. It’s the Thank You cards we receive from financial assistance recipients. Knowing that we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer patients is what it’s all about!”

Franklin car dealership gives $30K to local cancer charity

By Kristina Tedeschi Wayne For The Bulletin

FRANKLIN – Since its founding six years ago, Sails Up 4 Cancer has donated thousands of dollars to organizations, including the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and the Visiting Nurses Association of Southeast Connecticut.

It also has helped dozens of New London County cancer patients pay their bills and put food on the table.

On Tuesday morning, Bob Davis, a two-time cancer survivor, avid sailor and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Sails Up 4 Cancer, accepted the charity’s largest donation yet.

The Holmgren family, of Holmgren Subaru in Franklin, presented Davis with a check for nearly $31,000.

“It means the world,” Davis said shortly after accepting the donation at the New Park Avenue dealership. “It puts us over the top and gives us the ability to help, exponentially, more families … as they’re undergoing cancer treatments.”

The donation was the result of Subaru of America’s “Share the Love” campaign, in which a portion of each sale or lease of a Subaru during a specific time frame is donated to a retailer’s charity of choice.

Eric Holmgren, of Holmgren Subaru, said selecting Sails Up 4 Cancer as the campaign’s beneficiary for the last four years has been an easy choice.

“I liked how the money stayed local,” he said of the charity.

Also a boating enthusiast, Holmgren first met Davis through sailing more than a decade ago. The two became good friends.

“He’s just one of those people you meet who are incredibly positive and nothing gets them down,” Holmgren, of Mystic, said of Davis.

Along with awarding grants to large organizations such as Lawrence + Memorial Cancer Center and the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, Sails Up 4 Cancer also supports, through its Spinnaker Fund, individuals in the midst of cancer treatments who need help paying their rent, utility bill or simply buying groceries.

“They just do all the little, tiny things that make someone’s life better,” Holmgren said.

The seeds of Sails Up 4 Cancer were planted in 2004, when Davis was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Shortly after, the Niantic resident began raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its Leukemia Cup Regatta. Over four years, Davis raised more than $50,000 for the national organization, he said.

Then, in 2011, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Davis said he was moved to “do more” to help those affected by cancer, and to put his efforts toward making a local impact.

Davis, who spent his career in construction management, said he has been fortunate through the years to be able to afford his medical treatment and to own his boat. Be he knows that’s not the reality for many who are diagnosed with cancer, particularly single heads of households.

“I can’t imagine what they go through,” he said.

Sails Up 4 Cancer has been the first to donate $5,000 to the Single Women’s Head of Household Cancer Assistance Fund through the L + M Cancer Center’s social services division.

For more information on Sails Up 4 Cancer, visit su4c.org.

Kindness in Real Life: Davis keeps Sails Up in cancer fight

Bob Davis of Niantic has both survived cancer and thrived with cancer.

In 2004, Bob and his wife, Karen, spent her birthday at the oncologist’s office, where he learned that he had Leukemia, more specifically, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). As scary as it was, he learned that if diagnosed with leukemia, CLL is the “best” one to have.

After six years of living with CLL, Bob had an endoscopy because of difficulty swallowing. Davis was told “not to worry, they would scope and dilate his esophagus and be better than new.” Upon waking up and asking how things looked, he received utter silence from his doctor.

Bob’s wife was called and the two of them met with the doctor who explained that he had found a cancerous tumor. Bob learned what it is to undergo chemotherapy and have the skin burned off your esophagus from twenty-eight fractions of radiation therapy. Simultaneously, he also learned to advocate for cancer care and how to seek out the best treatment available. And he became a beacon of hope for others undergoing cancer treatment when founded the charity Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C) in the summer of 2010.

Despite Bob’s pain and agony, he endured. Bob is now in remission and he gives his time and energy to others. Most recently, Bob assisted in establishing the Spinnaker fund.

By definition, the spinnaker is a sail used when sailing with the wind behind your back. Sails Up 4 Cancer acts as that wind. The Spinnaker Fund is to encourage and support those battling cancer and undergoing expensive treatments. As expenses grow and income is lost, this fund alleviates the stress associated with financial hardships.

Bob’s enthusiasm for life is palpable, and he recognizes that his successful battle with cancer is an everyday blessing for him and for all those who know him. He continues at the helm of the organization he founded and continues to give back to his community via running events; organizing fund raisers and giving generously to L+M Hospital and the Center for Hospice Care among others.

In addition to founding and presiding over Sails Up 4 Cancer, and establishing the Spinnaker Fund, Bob is also a four-time leading fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Connecticut Regattas.

Sails Up 4 Cancer awards $10K grant to L+M Hospital

Pictured from left to right:
Front Row: Karen Davis, Dr. Jamie Lee,
Cathy McCarthy, Shannon Cavanaugh
Back Row: Bill Stanley, Bob Davis, Graham Gavert

Sails Up 4 Cancer is proud to announce the fulfillment of a $10,000 grant request to L+M Cancer Center in Waterford, CT. The donated funds will be used for their Transportation Fund and Patients Assistance Fund. As a sub-part of the Patients Assistance Fund, L+M has established the Single Women/ Head of Household Fund.

“Sails Up 4 Cancer is extremely proud to be one of the first to acknowledge and contribute to this often neglected need,” said Bob Davis, CEO & Founder of Sails Up. “Some of the most frequent requests for funds from our Spinnaker Fund account come from single mothers.”

Sails Up 4 Cancer is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding research, education, care and prevention for all types of cancer.

“As they always do, Sails Up 4 Cancer has recognized an important cancer-related need in our community and stepped up to fulfill it. Very often, there is so much focus on cancer and the appropriate cures for it that some of the important incidentals such as reliable transportation to and from treatment can be overlooked. That is why we are so privileged to have a knowledgeable and generous partner like our good friends at Sails Up 4 Cancer. Their support for our Cancer Center and our patients over the years has been nothing short of incredible,” said Bill Stanley, Vice President of Development & Community Relations at L+M Hospital.

“The Cancer Center is so grateful for the grant money from Sails Up 4 Cancer. We all know someone who is affected by cancer, and with the monies from this grant, we can help patients that may have no transportation to get to the Center to receive their treatments. The additional money from this grant will help with programming for our women who have minimal support at home,” said Cathy McCarthy, Oncology Licensed Clinical Social Worker at L+M Cancer Center.

 

###

For Further info: Bob Davis, Sails Up 4 Cancer – Rdavis@su4c.org – www.su4c.org

CT Spring Boat Show Announces Sails Up 4 Cancer as Beneficiary

The Connecticut Spring Boat Show is expecting over 70 boats varying in size from 20-75 feet to journey to the second annual 2017 Spring boat show. The exhibition is set for May 5-7, 2017 at Brewer Essex Island Marina located in Essex, CT and will attract interested boat buyers from Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and beyond. The show is a production of Windcheck Magazine and is sponsored by Brewer Essex Island Marina, Essex Boat Works, and the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA).

For the third consecutive year, Sails Up 4 Cancer, a Connecticut-based non-profit organization, is the beneficiary. Working with Marley’s Restaurant, a percentage of food and beverage sales go to SU4C who are dedicated to supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research. For further information, please visit: www.su4c.org.

“We are honored to be chosen as the shows’ charity; we enjoy working with Anne Hannan, of Windcheck and with the Marley’s crew and appreciate their dedication to Sails Up,” says Bob Davis, president of SU4C. “Come to beautiful Essex Island Marina- see beautiful boats plus help our cause and enjoy delicious, fresh food from Marley’s.”

Visitors attending the free show will enjoy seeing a wide range of new and brokerage, power and sail models. Boating gear, accessories and service companies will also be on site. Additionally, family friendly events are planned for the entire weekend – lawn games, face painting and more!

Visit www.ctspringboatshow.com for specific event details, parking info and more.

Sails Up 4 Cancer Music Showcase at Mystic Luxury Cinemas

Three talented bands. Beautiful venue. Awesome charity.

On Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 7 – 11pm, Support Sails Up 4 Cancer and enjoy three amazingly talented local bands at Olde Mistick Village’s Luxury Cinemas (Coogan Blvd.). Newly renovated, the cinema offers the best seating, sound and now offers beer and wine. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at www.su4c.org.

Wooly Mammoth kicks off the evening. Wooly Mammoth is: Gray Hallberg on Lead Guitar & Vocals, Erik Laisi on Drums, Toby Halsey on Rhythm Guitar and back up vocals and, Mike LaChance on Bass – they have played Mystic Blues Festival, Mystic Eats, the Air & Sea Celebration and play often at The Daniel Packer Inne.

The second band is The Hoolios; they are a diverse group morphing from solo singer-songwriter Jim Carpenter to an acoustic quartet and six-piece rock/dance band depending upon the venue. The Hoolios have garnered an excellent reputation for their Americana/Rock/Latin and Zydeco grooves, featuring three lead vocalists, accordion, mandolin, washboard and organ.

Green Tea closes out the evening. Green Tea is Toby Kniffin on Guitar and Vocals, Jamie Conroy on Guitar, Amie Coffey on Vocals, Michael Chicoria on Keys, Jay Hartley on Drums, Marty Moroney on Bass and Gino Maiorano on Percussion. Green Tea was formed in 2001 when members of Third Stone & Beggars Bash got together to make some music, jam and share ideas. Over 15 years later, Green Tea is going strong with a wealth of original material, four CDs and contagious momentum. Music influencing the sound of Green Tea ranges from the melody and magic of Garcia/Hunter, to the driving rock n roll and melody work of the Allman Brothers. Mix that with a Dylanesque writing approach that focuses on the lost art of “the song” and you get Green Tea.

Sails Up 4 Cancer is dedicated to supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research. All proceeds from tonight’s show – post production – go to our cause. For further information, please visit: www.su4c.org

 

Canvases For A Cause

New England’s Largest Marine Art Charity Event

WHEN: September 15, 2016 from 6-8 pm
WHERE: Harbour House, 3 Williams Ave, Mystic, CT

Canvases for a Cause is a month-long marine art exhibition and sale to benefit Sails Up 4 cancer. All are welcome for amazing art, delicious appetizers, music and cash bar.

Music by the Marcy Kelly Trio: www.facebook.com/marcykellytrio

Past exhibitors include: Doug Aaberg, Ralph Acosta, Del-Bourree Bach, David Bareford, Peter Barrett, Pam Carlson, Jean Dalton, Bill Davidson, Sadie Devore, Sandy Garvin, Luther Kelly Hall, Blaney Harris, Wendy Jacobs, Tod Johnstone, Russ Kramer, Gerald Levey, Sarah Stifler Lucas, Ian Marshall, Liz McGee, Howard Park, Robert Perkowski, Clancy Philbrick, Dennis Sirrine, Jennifer Welch and Christa Whitten.

Over thirty new works will be offered to the public with a significant portion of art sales going directly to help fight cancer.

About Sails Up For Cancer
SU4C is a non profit organization dedicated to funding research in the education, prevention, and cure for all types of cancer through the art and enjoyment of sailing.

Sails Up 4 Cancer Annual Regatta & Wellness Expo

Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C) announces the exciting details for the 2016 Annual Regatta and Wellness Expo on June 18. The Regatta is open to all sailors and all classes. Entry forms and additional information may be found on the su4c.org website. The Skipper’s meeting is Friday, June 17st 1800 hours, at Mystic Shipyard. Scratch sheets and sailing instructions will be distributed and all sailors and crew are welcome to attend.

The Regatta’s first gun is set for 1200 hours in Fishers Island Sound on Saturday, June 18. This is an ECSA sanctioned race and good for points. Following the race the Post Regatta Shore Party will be held under the tent at the Mystic Shipyard,100 Essex Street, Mystic, beginning at 1700 hours.

SU4C pays tribute to children battling cancer with their special guests of honor, The Sunshine Kids. The children will cruise down the Mystic River aboard the historic vessel, Prudence, one of only three original Maine Steamboats still on the water today, to watch the start of the race. Upon arriving at Mystic Shipyard, the kids will get a wonderful welcome from pirates, artists and musicians. To close their day, Mystic Aquarium will provide the group with passes.

In tandem with the regatta is the Wellness Expo.at Mystic Shipyard from noon-5pm featuring local healers from reiki to reflexology – all homeopathic options for those battling cancer. Enjoy an array of exhibitors offering information for healthy living and lifestyles. Attendees will receive information on acupuncture, yoga, massage, nutrition, meditation and pre-cancerous screenings.

For the post-regatta shore party, SU4C, with Mystic River Yacht Club will light up the grill for a BBQ, with entertainment by Rock N’ Soul Revue featuring Josi Davis. Also included in the festivities are: open bar with wine and beer plus our famous Dark- n- Stormy stations; plus silent auctions and awards ceremony.

The Wellness Expo is free and open to the public. The post-regatta party is $25 (whether you race or not!)

Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters – especially Holmgren Subaru and Mystic Shipyard.
See you under the tent!

For more information please visit: www.su4c.org