Carnival Corporation's Holland America Line Hosts American Cancer Society’s ‘A Toast to Life’ Fundraiser Luncheon onboard ms Westerdam at Seattle

August 26, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Holland America Line hosted a fundraiser luncheon aboard ms Westerdam in June at the Port of Seattle for the American Cancer Society. Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group, was onboard to present a check to the organization from funds collected through the line’s “On Deck for a Cause” shipboard giving program.

Following the luncheon, attendees were invited to a presentation in the ship’s Queen’s Lounge by Holland America Line and American Cancer Society executives, followed by a ship tour. Danelle Hayes, an American Idol finalist, provided entertainment at the luncheon.

“We are honored to partner with an organization like the American Cancer Society that helps to provide support and comfort to so many people around the world,” said Kruse, who is a member of the American Cancer Society’s “CEOs Against Cancer” program. “Through ‘CEOs Against Cancer’, American Cancer Society also provides valuable resources to our employees as part of our wellness and fundraising initiatives.

“We are also proud to be a sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala,” said Kruse. “And through our ‘On Deck for a Cause’ program launched last year, we partner with our guests to raise even more funds to help eradicate a disease that touches too many lives.”

American Cancer Society is part of Holland America Line’s On Deck for a Cause shipboard giving program, which benefits six international cancer organizations. On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing aboard each of the line’s 15 ships, with proceeds distributed among the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, Cancer Research UK, Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) and KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society). More than 16,500 walkers have raised more than $300,000 for cancer research since the program’s inception last year.

American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the society has 12 geographic divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide and a presence in more than 5,100 communities. Its mission is to prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

The American Cancer Society works toward those goals by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.

“Holland America Line is the finest example of a dedicated and giving corporate partner,” said Stephanie Christensen, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. “Thank you to everyone at the organization for providing this beautiful setting for our fundraiser luncheon and for partnering in the pursuit to help find a cure.”

Each year, Holland America Line hosts approximately 25 shipboard charity luncheons for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America Line and its corporate foundation’s charitable-giving programs provide cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.