Excessive profile actions usually make for excellent fundraisers, and it doesn’t get any increased than hundreds of toes above Tampa Bay. That’s precisely the place Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy was on Saturday afternoon, October 19, 2024, as she earned her wings with a tandem skydive to boost funds for hurricane aid efforts.
The enjoyable occasion was performed in coordination with the Spherical Cover Parachute Group, a non-profit honoring the historical past of Allied Airborne Forces. Additionally readily available and facilitating the skydive had been members of the USSOCOM Para-Commandos, the U.S. Particular Operations Command’s premier aerial parachute demonstration group.
Appropriately sufficient, Duffy and her dive companion leapt from the Tico Belle, a WWII C-47 that served throughout the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
The fundraiser related to the skydive in the end raised greater than $85,000 for the Gary Sinise Basis and is earmarked to help these impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton – together with proper within the Tampa space.
Moreover, the funds are being matched by the Micky and Madeleine Arison Household Basis for a further donation to the Wounded Warrior Undertaking, one other trigger Carnival Cruise Line is proud to help.
“Leaping from a airplane was a rush, however the actual thrill is supporting a significant trigger in considered one of our essential homeport communities,” mentioned Duffy.
“I assumed my first-ever skydive could be a superb fundraising alternative, and I’m so grateful to everybody who donated to this effort. I’m proud we will ship this vital donation to the Gary Sinise Basis, an incredible group supporting the work of army and first responders aiding in hurricane aid efforts.”
Initially, the fundraising purpose to “encourage” Duffy to leap was simply $50,000, however was raised to $75,000 after the primary purpose was shortly surpassed.
The skydive was a part of a full day of occasions at Port Tampa Bay and aboard Carnival Paradise, which has now set sail for the primary ever Particular Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band supplied a particular efficiency on the dock subsequent to the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class ship, entertaining company and particular guests alike.
As vacationers boarded the ship – chartered for particular forces alumni, Gold Star households, and their mates – indicators with “Thanks to your service!” “You’re our heroes, it’s an honor to serve you” and “Welcome aboard Inexperienced Berets” had been held by crew members for much more recognition and thanks.
Carnival Paradise was additionally adorned with acceptable emblems and flags to honor the veterans and guarantee they really feel welcome and at dwelling with “America’s Cruise Line.”
Learn Additionally: Carnival Introduces New Appreciation Occasion for Army Passengers
The ship was escorted from the pier with a water cannon salute, with well-wishers – together with Christine Duffy and Carnival Cruise Line’s Model Ambassador, John Heald – waving because the ship departed.
The 5-night crusing is a voyage to the Bahamas, with port of name visits deliberate for Bimini on Monday, October 21, adopted by Nassau on Tuesday, October 22. The ship will take pleasure in a day at sea on her means again to Tampa for debarkation on Thursday, October 24.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Charitable Help
Carnival Cruise Line heartily helps quite a lot of charities in addition to organizations in several homeports and ports of name. In fact, each Carnival cruise fan is acquainted with the cruise line’s help of St. Jude Youngsters’s Analysis Hospital, notably via the “Groove for St. Jude” Lido Deck occasion held on each Carnival cruise.
The cruise line has dedicated to elevating a complete of $50 million for St. Jude by 2030, an enormous purpose it can take the entire fleet to achieve.
“The unwavering devotion from our company and group members is the rationale we’re capable of make an affect in supporting St. Jude’s essential mission,” mentioned Duffy. “Because of our crew and company’ continued generosity, we’re capable of elevate our fundraising purpose and prolong that affect.”
Carnival Cruise Line additionally helps a number of army charities, together with Operation Homefront and the Wounded Warrior Undertaking. Particular fundraisers are sometimes held to additional these connections, equivalent to donations from each pint of Heroes American Pale Ale offered onboard within the the Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge venues all through the fleet.
One other distinctive fundraiser Carnival Cruise Line has held lately was the cowboy boots public sale related to Carnival Jubilee‘s naming ceremony in February 2024, which in the end raised $50,000 for Operation Homefront.
