Organizers of the 18th Beta Sigma Beta Sy Barash Regatta promise to bring another "big-name band" to Bald Eagle State Park.

Although a headlining band has not been confirmed yet, said Seth Reidenberg, Regatta co-chairman, the band will be another big classic rock band like REO Speedwagon, who performed last year. Organizers said they will know after spring break.

Beta Sigma Beta fraternity, 255 E. Fairmount Ave., aims to raise $100,000 this year. During the Regatta's 18-year history, the fraternity donated about $500,000 to the American Cancer Society --about $65,000 was donated last year.

"It's very ambitious but very do-able," said Mimi Coppersmith Fredman about the high goal. Coppersmith Fredman is the University Board of Trustees president and was Barash's wife.

Everybody is working hard to make the Regatta a success, said Pam Weiner, Regatta co-chairwoman from Sigma Delta Tau sorority, 1 Shulze, which will co-sponsor the event this year.

Money comes from canning, T-shirt sales, ticket sales and other donations, Weiner said.

"It's the 18th year, and we're hoping to reach our goal to help as many people as possible," Reidenberg said.

Regatta founder Sy Barash --who was also a Beta Sigma Beta member -- died before he could see his first Regatta.

Coppersmith Fredman donated $1,500 to the fraternity, the first contribution of this year, at a kick-off celebration Tuesday night.

"Words can't describe the feeling that through the Regatta, his memory lives on," Coppersmith Fredman said.

Because weather is a key factor for the success of Regatta, Coppersmith Fredman said that she hopes her late husband arranges good weather for the day, April 26.

About 20,000 to 25,000 people have annually attended the beach bash to listen to bands, watch canoe races and play volleyball and tug-of-war, Coppersmith Fredman said.

Uni-Marts Inc. -- which has made contributions for the past eight years -- and local radio station WBHV, B-103 FM, will also sponsor the event.