Welcome to 2024 Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta RESULTS

Regatta Results

Press Release:

Local Man Honored with 2024 Hospice Hero Award for Leadership in Annual Turkey

Shoot Regatta

By Emily Hinton, (Chair of 2024 Hospice Hero Sub-committee)

In recognition of his tireless dedication and outstanding leadership, John Tidwell of the

Yankee Point Yacht Club in Lancaster, VA has been awarded the prestigious Hospice Hero

Award for his role in co-chairing this year’s highly successful 29 th Hospice Turkey Shoot

Regatta. This annual event, co-hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club and Yankee

Point Yacht Club, draws the community together for two days of friendly competition and

waterborne fun, and serves as a key fundraiser for the local Northern Neck and Riverside

Hospice agencies.

The Hospice Hero Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to

hospice services through volunteerism, fundraising, or advocacy. Tidwell's exceptional

leadership in running the overall Regatta team, the advertising team, co-chairing the event,

rallying sponsors, managing the physical structures and equipment installed on the grounds

of RRYC and ensuring a smooth execution of race day and evening activities earned him this

distinguished honor.

“This year’s Regatta would not have been possible without John’s dedication and passion for

the cause,” said NN Hospice Treasurer Evelyn Neal. “He poured his heart and soul into

making this event a success, not just for the community but for the countless families who rely

on hospice services in their most difficult times.”

The Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta, an annual tradition for almost three decades, brings

together local sailors, business sponsors, and spectators to raise awareness and funds for

Northern Neck and Riverside Hospice services. This year’s event saw strong participation

with 87 boats registering for the three-day event. Tidwell’s efforts in securing sponsorship(s)

helped increase the fundraising total ensuring that hospice can continue to provide care

regardless of a patient’s financial situation.

Upon receiving the award, Tidwell was quick to show his pleasant surprise but to also deflect

praise, instead acknowledging the hard work of his team of volunteers and the generosity of

the community.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award, but it belongs to everyone who helped make the

Regatta such a success,” Tidwell said. “The hospice does such incredible work, and I’m just

happy to be able to do my part to support them.”

John’s name and award for the success of this regatta, the second largest in the US, now will

be submitted for consideration at the National Hospice Hero level. It’s possible he may be

recognized again as a hero, as this has happened before with Fran Bernard of this same

outstanding team, who won both the local Hospice Hero and National Hospice Hero Awards

three years ago!

Hospice care plays an invaluable role in providing compassionate support to individuals and

families during the final stages of life. The funds raised by the Regatta go toward providing

medical care, supplies, emotional support, ensuring that no one faces this challenging time alone.