Holland America Line Donates $25,000 to Seattle Children’s Hospital as Part of the ‘K’s for Kids’ Program with the Seattle Mariners

SEATTLE, Wash., Oct. 29, 2015 /3BL Media/ — Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford presented a check for $25,000 to Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at the Seattle Mariners’ “Fan Appreciation Night” home game at Safeco Field. The company made the donation as part of its partnership with the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team and the “K’s for Kids” program that originally debuted during the 2014 baseball season.

With “K’s for Kids,” each strikeout (represented as a “K” on the score card) recorded by a Mariners pitcher at Safeco Field throughout the season a cash donation was made up to $25,000 from the cruise line to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Ashford was joined on the field during the check presentation by 5-year-old Seattle Children’s patient Tristan Estep and his family.

“The Seattle Mariners and Seattle Children’s Hospital are both fantastic organizations that contribute so much to our community, a value we share” said Ashford. “As Seattle’s Home Town Cruise Line, it was an honor to recognize the 609 strikeouts at home this season and present a check for $25,000 to a young man as courageous and inspirational as Tristan for Seattle Children’s Hospital.”

For the past four years, Holland America Line and the Mariners have maintained a partnership that, in addition to a corporate sponsorship of the Suite Deck at Safeco Field, includes community-based programs. The cruise line sponsors “Get Well Tours” to area hospitals and the annual Fan Appreciation Night. In addition to giving away Holland America Line cruises to two lucky fans during that game, Ashford stepped onto the mound and threw out the first pitch at the final home opener on Saturday, Oct. 3.

"I threw a strong pitch a little high, but right over the plate. It was such a unique opportunity, and it makes me appreciate being here in Seattle with Holland America Line,” said Ashford about the experience. 

“It’s been exciting to watch our partnership with Holland America Line develop over the past several years, and this donation is a special component that enhances the sponsorship,” said Bob Aylward, executive vice president of corporate business for the Seattle Mariners. “Throughout the season Holland America Line actively participates in so many activities to support the Mariners, and we know that Seattle Children’s also will be grateful for the support and generous donation.”

Holland America Line Get Well Tours
Holland America Line is the presenting sponsor of the Seattle Mariners Get Well Tours that include visits to area hospitals by Mariners players and the Mariner Moose. Patients and their siblings receive photos and autographs as well a Holland America Line–branded sports bag with Mariners and baseball-related items, such as replica baseballs and a Mariners Moose toy.

Holland America Line Fan Appreciation Night
Holland America Line also is the presenting sponsor of the annual Fan Appreciation Night celebration at Safeco Field. Traditionally held at the final Friday home game of each season, Fan Appreciation Night is a celebration of the loyalty and support of Mariners fans with random drawings for prizes throughout the game. As part of its sponsorship, Holland America Line provides cruise giveaways at the F.A.N.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor’s note:  Images are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/c9moxue1.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in spring 2016 from Fincantieri shipyard, as well as a second Pinnacle-class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-Top Mariner’s Dream beds.

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