Sip and Sail for the Bear

For Bear Necessities, that is, a Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Cancer knows no bounds. It affects all walks of life, all races, all nationalities, and all economic scales, no matter the age. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death from disease among children. Although Bear Necessities can imagine a world with no pediatric cancer, they support pediatric cancer research in hopes of finding a cure. The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization which also provides unparalleled hope and support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Bear Necessities will hold the fifth annual Sip and Sail fundraising event. Co-chairs of Sip and Sail, Jim Shriver and Barb Hartman, have put together a fun-filled afternoon with a sightseeing cruise aboard the Naples Princess, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction, and entertainment by none other than the ever-popular Ben Allen Band. Boarding the ship begins at 1:30, with cruise between 2:30-4:30 PM.

All proceeds from this Sip and Sail go to support the Bear Necessities ‘Bear Hugs’ program, which provides customized experiences meant to brighten the lives of children living with cancer in Southwest Florida. Forty-seven children are diagnosed with cancer daily. You or your business can make a difference in their lives. A variety of sponsorship levels are available to support Bear Hugs, whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a corporate level donor, from silent auction items to the categories of Anchor, All Aboard, Galley, Ship Shape, Land Ho and Sailing, there is a level to suit your contribution. All donations are tax-deductible.

Every Bear Hug is different because every child is different, and Bear Necessities gets to know the families personally to provide something truly special. Bear Hugs provides unforgettable moments for the entire family. One mom shared, “We are so incredibly grateful for the support Bear Necessities has shown us. Jaden’s Bear Hug brought him so much joy during one of the most difficult times of his life…Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for families like ours!” Bear Hugs inspires hope and joy so children build the strength to cope with their illness.

Bear Necessities was founded by Kathleen Casey in memory of her eight-year-old son “Bear,” who fought brain cancer for over five years. Kathleen’s story, along with her son’s, can be found at bearnecessities.org. The Florida Chapter of Bear Necessities serves Golisano Children’s Hospital in Southwest Florida. 

For more information on Sip & Sail, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, or the Bear Hugs program, to donate or volunteer, go to their website at bearnecessities.org.

Forty-seven children are diagnosed with cancer daily. Your business can make a difference in their lives.