Online registration to close Wednesday 

You can still register online up until Wednesday night (September 23). After that, you can come down to the event Sunday morning and register. Event check-in starts at 10:00 am and goes until noon. The forecast right now is for sunny skies so don't miss it! Register online at sailforthecureoregon.net.

Still time to collect pledges 

Have you collected your $100 in pledges? Want to collect even more? There's still time to get them in! Our goal is to donate $50,000 to Komen for the Cure and pledges are an important part of that. If 500 participants asked 10 people to donate $10 each, we'd hit our goal with pledges alone. And this year, we'll be accepting them up until Friday, October 2 so you have even more time. You can collect using this form or submit them online.

Exciting items lined up for the live auction

Many great items will be awaiting you at the live auction. Get your paddles ready!

• Seaplane ride for 2 out of Hayden Bay
• Commissioned oil painting of your beloved pet
• Scenic flight and dinner for 2 in Hood River
• Dinner for 6 at Larry and LeAnne Snyder's
• Retro, pink Cadillac bicycle
• 3-night weekend stay at Neskowin beach house
• City skyline helicopter tour and Town Car ride for 2
• 10-day Mexican cruise for 2 on aboard Faith
• Oregon coast fishing trip with 1 night at Shilo Inn
• El Toro sailing dinghy
• 7-day stay in Puerto Vallarta condo

First silent auction table will close at 5:00pm

Be sure to make a beeline for the dock after the on-the-water event is over. The first silent auction table will close at 5:00pm. You'd hate to miss out on all the great items up for grabs!

Meet our special guests for Sail for the Cure

Shellie Bailey Shah, Mistress of Ceremonies

Most people recognize Shellie Bailey Shah as the Two On Your Side reporter with KATU or remember her reporting on former Portland Trailblazer Qyntel Wood’s alleged involvement in illegal dog fighting. Her award-winning reporting has won her numerous awards, including an Emmy for her documentary, Haiti: A Mission of Mercy, a report on a medical team’s work to create the first cardiac care unit in Haiti.

Shah’s professional accolades have been many, but her toughest challenge may have come in the fall of 2008 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Always a reporter, Shah went public with her battle. She has documented her breast cancer struggle on KATU and through her other work. She has said she hopes her story gives strength to other cancer patients, and reminds others to do their monthly breast exams, and to get yearly mammograms after 40.

In January 2009, Shah returned to television only a few short weeks after under going a double mastectomy and cancer treatment. She is a wife, and mother of two young children. The Oregon Women’s Sailing Association is proud to have Shah as the hostess of Sail for the Cure. Her bravery in taking on hard stories, and in dealing with breast cancer embodies the strength and determination OWSA members all strive for, whether sailing, living or facing our own hardships.  

Sonny Hess, Band Leader

For nearly two decades, Sonny “Smokin’” Hess has been known for her brilliant guitar playing, song writing and vocals. She’s a musician’s musician. Playing in multiple bands and with numerous artists, the Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock artist has opened for Etta James, Jr. Walker and the All Stars, Average White Band and Bobby Womack.

Named Outstanding R&B Act and Best New Artist when the Sonny Hess Power Band appeared in 1991, Hess supports other female musicians through her production of NW Women Rhythm & Blues, which features Hess with fellow blueswomen including Lady Kat, Linda Hornbuckle, Duffy Bishop, Janis Scroggins, Ellen Whyte, and others.

Hess was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. After undergoing a radical mastectomy, she needed chemotherapy. Undaunted by her hair loss, in 2007 Hess went on to record Battle of the Bald, a CD featuring a variety of guest musicians, and Hess’s own brand of guitar virtuosity. Thankful for the treatment she received, Hess donates part of the proceeds from the CD to Komen for the Cure, and will serve as the entertainment from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Jerry Wheeler, Auctioneer

Jerry Wheeler, our auctioneer, is the CEO of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce. Wheeler began his Chamber career more than 13 years ago after 25 years as a professional musician, fronting his own band playing primarily hotels, resorts and supper clubs.

His Chamber career began as the Executive Director of the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Elkhorn, WI. Five years later, Wheeler left that position to take another Chamber leadership position in Woodburn, OR, which he held for three-and-a-half years before moving to Lake Oswego. The Lake Oswego Chamber is a 640-member organization, making it one of the largest in the state of Oregon.

Wheeler is a graduate of the four-year U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management program with eight additional years in the advanced IAM program. He is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Institute and has received a Certificate of Professional Development from the WI Chamber of Commerce Executives Association (WCCE). He is the Chairman on the U.S. Chamber Institute Board of Regents for the Western Region. Wheeler lives in Lake Oswego with his wife, Celia, and step-daughter Anna.