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. We have selected serious medical conditions - such as diabetes and cancer - which impact so many people, including our customers, employees and immediate families. We are proud to support:

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 29 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 our very treasured colleagues Jan and Diana Meijer (pictured above) of LA NOUVELLE ETOILE for donating a cruise. We auctioned this cruise on December 13, 2008 at the 29th annual JDRF Gala in Chicago. We will take a leadership role with the 30th annual Gala to be held December 2009. 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. There is also an extensive education and support program. This year Barge Lady Cruises is proud to sponsor Team IneBRAINated in the 5th annual ABTA Path to Progress walk being held at Soldier Field Saturday May 22, 2010. The team is captained by Barge Lady's Kelly Weiss and has over 50 family members and friends walking! This is a cause dear to our hearts Go to: WWW.ABTA.ORG

Tour de Lis in New Orleans

Long time Barge Lady customers take a leadership role and brought this event to our attention. "Healin' Through Wheelin'" was held on April 18, 2009. The goal is to raise funds to prevent and cure cancer; to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis; and to provide assistance for cancer patients in the greater New Orleans area. The first Tour de Lis was held in 2008 and reported 500 riders. The goal is 1000 riders in 2009. We will donate and ask our readers to go to: WWW.TOURDELIS.COM to find out more.