Lively Benefit Regatta helped raise funds for hospice homes

Thanks to the invitation of Stacy Kadrich, the Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist at Sharp Grossmont, my husband and I were guests on the Patriot for the 10th Annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta. Owned by Randy Odiorne, who graciously eased us through the blue waters of San Diego Bay, the Patriot was one of many spectator boats getting an up-close look of racing boats in regatta.

Money raised during the regatta and the entire two-day event at the Coronado Yacht Club will go to maintain the two hospice homes that are in La Mesa and the Sa Carlos in San Diego. A third home is being planned for a location in Bonita n the Patriot Valley.

The dozen of us on the Patriot enjoyed the dazzling colors on the water, thanks to Odiorne. After we all got to see the Regatta begin, Odiorne navigated us over to the docks by Point Loma where the sea lions, pelicans, California Gulls and Common Egrets lounged side-by-side. The sea lions barked at us and each other, and the pelicans swooped down low to see if we had any fish to toss towards them.

After twenty minutes of talking back to the sea lions and pelicans, Odiorne steered us back towards the action in the Regatta. The boats tacked skillfully through the water, racing playfully to the finish line. Back at the Coronado Yacht Club, we thanked Odiorne for his graciousness and made our way to the barbecue of pulled pork and chicken, baked beans, salad and bread and ice cream—blue vanilla bean!—from Moo Time Creamery.

Misty and the Moby’s sang 60s and 70s classic rock, and that got me and my husband to join up with Stacy and all the other fellow passengers who’d enjoyed the ride out on the Patriot. We cavorted and frolicked in front of a million-dollar view of the Yacht Club property fronting the bay.

After we had danced all of our worries away, it was time to call it a day. In those moments of quiet in the car with my husband and later as we strolled by the Ferry Landing watching an orange creamsicle sunset, I couldn’t help but think about the purpose of the regatta. People who are in pain or suffering from an illness, facing their last days of their lives find comfort and care at the hospice homes. The homes are a place for the sick and frail to bid adieu to this life, while family and friends breathe easier knowing that their loved ones are receiving end-of-life care with the greatest dignity and respect possible.

Many thanks go to Sharp HospiceCare, which has operated the two hospice homes, LakeView and ParkView, since 1991, and to all who participated in the 10th Annual Benefit Regatta.