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.