Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy donates generously to relief efforts following Hurricanes Helen and Milton Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy donates generously to cruise enthusiasts Tandem skydiving fundraiser The flight is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024, over Tampa Bay.
The original goal of $50,000 was set just days after Hurricane Helene made its devastating journey from Florida’s west coast into North Carolina and the surrounding areas. However, in just one week, this goal was not only achieved, but stunningly surpassed, and a new goal was set.
Now, that goal has been raised to $75,000, and Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife, Madeleine, will make a generous donation through their charitable foundation.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helen,” Duffy said. “As I prepare to parachute from 10,000 feet above Tampa Bay with members of the Special Forces, I am so grateful for all those who have donated and continue to support hurricane relief efforts.”
The event is planned as a fun and unique celebration to commemorate the first-ever Special Forces Legacy Initiative (SFLI) cruise that will set sail aboard carnival park 5-Night Bahamas Itinerary Visit on October 19th Bimini and Nassau.
Not only is this activity part of a SFLI cruise, but it is also entirely appropriate to do it on board carnival park. Although many Carnival ships were affected by the two storms, carnival park is one of the countries most affected Sailings canceled after Hurricane Helen and a Homeport changes after Hurricane Milton.
Funds raised will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation to support storm recovery efforts for military families, veterans and first responders in communities devastated by back-to-back hurricanes.
In just one week, Duffy’s fundraising campaign has surpassed $73,000 and is less than $2,000 shy of its new higher goal.
“We have nearly reached our goal of $75,000 to support the Gary Sinise Foundation and provide support to first responders and military families impacted by recent hurricanes,” Duffy said in a video update. “Next Saturday I’ll be parachuting over Tampa Bay with the Special Forces.”
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald also spreads the word about the fundraiser through his popular Facebook page.
“I [ask] Please everyone donate, even if it’s just a few dollars, as every little bit helps. “ Hilde said. “I hope today we can move toward $100,000.”
Unique Carnival Cruise Line Fundraiser
Duffy’s skydiving location was the Tico Belle, a World War II-era C-47 Skytrain aircraft that participated in the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
The Tico Belle’s storied history also includes operations in France, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Germany during World War II, as well as providing relief after the Battle of the Bulge.
This makes Duffy’s jump even more symbolic and meaningful as Carnival Cruise Line supports military families throughout the year through a variety of fundraisers, partnerships and donations.
Carnival Cruise Line often partners with unique fundraising events, including Cowboy boots auction related to Carnival Jubilee February 2024 and Carnival Ecstasy Retirement Commemorative Auction October 2022.
Many of the cruise line’s philanthropic efforts focus on partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Homeland Action, both worthy causes that are happily and generously supported by Carnival Cruise Line fans and guests.
