BOATING FOR THE CURE - 2009

Over $30,000 raised in this one day event!

Fantastic weather and a calm Lake Muskoka was the backdrop for the first annual Boating For The Cure family boat rally. After a meeting and breakfast at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, teams departed from Gravenhurst Bay for a tour of Lake Muskoka in Support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region and Prostate Cancer Canada. It was an impressive sight as over 1 million dollars worth of pleasure boats was paraded out of Gravenhurst Bay lead by Canada's oldest steamship, the RMS Segwun. Enthusiastic participants decorated their boats and dressed in theme clothing as they were warmly waved and greeted while they made strategic stops around the lake.

At the afternoon post-rally reception prizes and auctions completed the day, as it was revealed that through their efforts the participants had raised $34,361 for research and awareness of Breast and Prostate Cancer. "The overwhelming support for Boating For The Cure is not only better than expected, it is almost unheard of for a first time event", remarked Leigh Jasmine, Associate Director of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region. "Everyone who supported Boating For The Cure should be very proud of having contributed to the best ideas from the brightest minds in breast cancer research across Ontario." All participants and teams agreed that it had been a very enjoyable day on the water all directed to a great cause. Misha Lobo, Senior Events Coordinator for Prostate Cancer Canada was able to enjoy the entire day including participating as a crewmember on the sponsor boat driven by Paul Nickel of Pride Marine Group. "It was a very well organized event, I was happy to be a part of the day".

Special thanks go to the lead sponsors for the event: Pride Marine Group for hosting and Edgewater Boats for creating custom hulls in support of Breast and Prostate Cancer. Honourable mention also goes to Bill Evanov, who's direct personal ties to these charities allowed him to leverage his Evanov Radio Group (88.5 The Jewel, Z103.5) to raise over $10,000 in just over 5 days!

The unanimous sentiment at the end of the day from all participants was "You can count me in again for next year!"" We look forward to a successful Boating For The Cure 2010.