The Joe Chase Memorial Benefit Fund was named after the
late Joe Chase in recognition of his years of service to the Greater
Cleveland Boating Association and for his dedication to the boating
community. Joe helped organize the Lake County Yacht Club and
West Channel Yacht Club. He was a past Commodore of the Lake
County Yacht Club and a charter member of the West Channel Yacht
Club. He was Chairman and secretary of the Chagrin River Association
and was very active in securing funds for the Chagrin River wing
wall project. Joe worked for the Inter-Lake Yachting Association and
was one of the organizers of the Power Boat Regatta. He was
Chairman of the regatta that was held at Kelly’s Island and was awarded
the “Skipper of the Year’ that year. This regatta was sponsored by
the GCBA and the following year, the Power Boat Regatta was
approved and adopted by the I-LYA and has since been held in
Put-in-Bay. He was Chairman of the Bowling Tournament and Banquet
for many years. He also served as Chairman of the Commander’s Ball
for over 12 years. Joe was selected in 1987 as GCBA “Man of the Year.”
The Joe Chase Memorial Benefit Fund was organized in 1992 by the
GCBA to directly help its recipients. Contributions have been made by
many deserving organizations over the years. Going forward,
contributions will focus on boating safety and boating education.
Money for the fund is budgeted yearly from fundraiser and donations
from member yacht clubs, individuals, and organizations.