The Philanthropic Inspiration Award acknowledges the steadfast
efforts of an individual who motivates others by example.
Recipients have a special passion and unparalleled commitment
which has helped engender a lasting culture of philanthropy.
Virginia Brown’s inspiration has done just that.

After she and her family were able to care for her late husband,
Ralph A. Beeton, at home, Mrs. Brown learned about organized
hospice care from Josephina Magno, M.D., founder of the first
hospice in Northern Virginia.
Asked by Dr. Magno to create a new fundraiser,
Mrs. Brown was determined to do something unusual.
With a touch of chance and some creative friends and sailors,
Hospice Cup, the first hospice regatta, was formed.

Hospice Cup inspired similar regattas throughout the
country which Mrs. Brown helped launch, supporting each as a volunteer.
Ultimately, this network of 25 hospice regattas led to the
development of a new membership organization, the National Hospice Regatta Alliance.

In 2000, Mrs. Brown was instrumental in planning the first-ever
national sailing championship for charity.
Now in its sixth year, the Hospice Regattas National Championship
is hosted by the Alliance, inviting winners from the local events
to compete at the national level, and further promoting hospice care.

All local regattas raise awareness of hospice care and funds for hospices in their areas.
The Alliance promotes hospice care nationally by
publicizing the regattas, connecting the events, supporting their efforts and hosting the annual national championship.
Each year, the impact of Virginia Brown’s 1982 vision continues to grow.