Our Charities

We've supported the cause of medical research for many years. Now we are donating to three exemplary organizations in honor of Barge Lady guests. These three medical conditions - Diabetes, Brain Cancer, and Breast Cancer, impact so many people including our own families and employees. We are proud to support:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Barge Lady is a supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF is the largest private funder of diabetes research worldwide. It's mission is to research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of Type 1 diabetes. The Barge Lady's 28 year old daughter has been insulin-dependent for 15 years (and fortunately is doing well), but Ellen believes in fighting back and has been very active in the Illinois chapter of JDRF.We thank John Senior of Canal and Company and Pete and Sheena Jenner for each donating a barge cruise. These cruises were auctioned off at the December 8, 2007 JDRF Gala in Chicago. Three thousand guests attended Gala and an estimated 2.7 million dollars was raised. We WILL cure diabetes! For more on diabetes research, Go to: WWW.JDRF.ORG

American Brain Tumor Association

The ABTA was founded in 1973 by two Chicago-area mothers who had lost children to brain tumors. It's goals are to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. Fellowships, grants, medical student programs, epidemiology research and cutting edge research is supported by the ABTA. We donated in honor of Barge Lady guests to the 3rd annual Brain Tumor Path to Progress Walk/Run - held in Chicago April 26, 2008. This is a cause dear to our hearts Go to: WWW.ABTA.ORG There is also an extensive education and support program.

Sunstone Cancer Support Centers

We became aware of the Sunstone Cancer Support Centers in Tuscon, Arizona through the involvement of a family member. She said; "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was referred to Sunstone by my oncologist to help navigate the unfamiliar world of cancer. Sunstone offers weekend retreats for patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends - as well as therapies and exercise classes. One pays what one can afford." We donated in honor of Barge Lady guests to the Celebration of Life Event on April 21, 2007. For more information go to: WWW.SUNSTONEHEALING.ORG