Cruise For The Cure Torch Lake Michigan. July 19-20 – A Great Way To Donate A Weekend.

Here is the official 2013 poster

It’s that time of year that we start making plans for summer shows and events.This year we are headed up to Michigan to take place in the 5th Annual Cruising For The Cure fund raising event on Torch Lake. We are big on good causes, and this one has it all. Great cause, great folks, on a great lake. OK, it’s not one of the “Great Lakes” It’s Torch Lake, actually one of the worlds greatest lakes right next to a “Great Lake” If you have never seen the area, this is a must see. Traverse City is about 20 minutes south and is a fun place to hang out. And home of Hagerty Marine insurance. The weather, water and stunning Woody boats alone make it worth the short 15 hour drive. If you want to bring a boat, they have some room left in the land display area. To quote fellow Woody boater Rick Thie the event creator
They can contact me at 810-441-4792 with their interest.” Here is the official Press release if you want more info here. With a major announcement in bold. Oh yeah, I am working on my wave now.

Cruising for the Cure to Celebrate its Fifth Year at Torch Lake

The Torch Lake Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Rendezvous – “Cruising for the Cure” – will mark its fifth year of bringing the message of hope to those individuals and families impacted by a pancreatic cancer diagnosis as event proceeds fund critical research for cancer of the pancreas.
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Cruising for the Cure was held for the first time in July 2009. “We wanted to create a unique, family friendly event as a tribute to my mother who died from pancreatic cancer and to bring together antique and wooden boat enthusiasts from the Chain of Lakes region,” says Rick Thie, the event creator and founding president of the Jane H.Thie Memorial Fund, Inc. Rick adds, “It’s all about creating special memories and to hopefully help those battling pancreatic cancer to have the opportunity to experience more of life’s memorable moments.”

Rick and his wife, Ellie, restored their classic 1953 Chris Craft 22 foot Sportsman utility which was a boat of the same make, model and year that Rick’s mother enjoyed when spending her summers on Torch Lake. The restoration was completed in time for her to take her first and final ride as she died from pancreatic cancer four months later In January of 2007.

The 2013 event kicks off with the “Party on the Pier” on Friday, July 19 at The Dockside from 6:30 – 9:30p.m. Tickets are limited and the cost is $50.00 per person. “Party on the Pier” is open to the public and features good food, good drink, and great fun along with a silent auction.

On Saturday, July 20, more than 60 original and restored vintage wooden boats will be on exhibit representing the 1920s-1960s. Brands include Chris Craft, Garwood, Hacker Craft, Higgins, Century, Lyman, Duke, and Thompson just to name a few. The majority of boats participating in this annual invitational show make their home in the Chain of Lakes Region. Visiting and exhibiting at this year’s event are members of the Century Boat Club and wood boat owners from Crystal Lake near Beulah, MI.

There is an in water boat display at DeWitt Marine, from 8:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. and at The Dockside Restaurant from 8 a.m. until noon. In addition, there is an on-land inboard, outboard and non-powered display at Butch’s Tackle and Marine from
8:00 a.m.-3:30p.m. Butch’s Tackle & Marine will also be sponsoring LIVE entertainment beginning at 11:30 AM with the sounds of Elvis Tribute artist, Jake Slater.

Lets go cruising for a cure in July!

The Parade of Boats will commence at 3:30 p.m. departing from the docks at Dewitt Marine, proceed around Clam Lake, through Clam River and out onto Torch Lake. This year’s Parade of Boats will feature Grand Marshall Matt Smith of WoodyBoater.com fame. Matt, his family and many of his dedicated fans on WoodyBoater.com have been tireless warriors in the fight against breast cancer. Through WoodyBoater.com Matt has graciously offered the tools, talents and passion he uses in the fight against breast cancer to assist the Cruising for the Cure event. “We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful and giving supporter as Matt joins us in advancing our cause.” says Thie.

Admission to all exhibits is free. Donations are welcome each of the three boat show display venues.

2014 Calendar

A commemorative poster and a 2014 Antique and Classic Wooden Boat calendar featuring the boats that have participated in the Cruising for the Cure event will be on sale. Souvenir T-shirts are available for purchase. All net proceeds benefit the Jane H.Thie Memorial Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, and are distributed to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute to fund research critical to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. “While this is a fun event, what’s most important are the dollars we’re able to raise to support pancreatic cancer research.” said Thie. To date, the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund has donated over $40,000 to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Dewitt Marine, The Dockside, Butch’s Tackle & Marine, Hagerty Marine Insurance, The Vic McCarty Show WMKT 1270 AM and 92.1 FM and the Water Wonderland Chapter of the ACBS, Inc.

For more information on the event and sponsorship opportunities, please call
810-441-4792 or visit www.CruiseforCure.org.

Torch Lake Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Rendezvous – Cruising for the Cure 2013 is a fundraiser for the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, Inc, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization benefiting the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute to fund research for a cure for pancreatic cancer. For more information on the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute visit www.Karmanos.org.