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Cruise for a Cause will benefit Red Cross
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By Debbie Gardner
PRIME editor
Act now, and your sun and fun getaway next winter could also help out your Pioneer Valley neighbors.
A select number of specially-discounted cabins for the March 5, 2006, New York City departure of the Norwegain Dawn visiting Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Belize City, Cozumel and more will directly benefit the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross as part of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)'s "Cruise for a Cause" campaign.
Your fun helps everyone!
Each of the select double-occupancy cabins for this 11-day voyage, priced at up to 54 percent below NCL's brochure listings, will return a $200 donation to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross.
And don't think that NCL is limiting its "Cruise for a Cause" cabins to the inside decks. Fans of balcony, ocean view and unobstructed view accommodations will find discounted prices on this fund-raiser sailing, too.
Eastfield Mall is Cruise Central
Eastfield Mall has teamed up with NCL and Protravel International of New York City to create this popular charity fund-raiser.
"The Red Cross is the Mall's primary charity of choice," Eastfield Mall Marketing Manager Jillian Gosselin told Reminder Publications. "Since the Tsunami hit [last December] we really felt the Red Cross was an organization in need of as much support as it could get ... [with] all they were doing for the victims."
"The special fund raising events on in international and national level are what got us involved with Eastfield Mall," Jane Clark, deputy director of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross told Reminder Publications in a telephone interview about its partnership with Eastfield Mall. "But all the fund-raising we are doing now with the Mall is on the local level."
Gosselin said the idea to tie their Red Cross fund-raising efforts into a cruise came from Mall Marketing Director Lee Sheinbaum, who has personally booked similar fund-raising cruises with NCL in the past.
Clark said the "Cruise for a Cause" is a new type of fund-raiser for this Red Cross chapter, but she's seen it work in other places.
"Most recently the Buffalo [New York] chapter did it, and it was a tremendous success," Clark said.
Take a "Fantasy Cruise" June 10!
To kick off Eastfield Mall's support of this "Cruise for a Cause" fund-raiser, the Mall is sponsoring a Fantasy Cruise Night and free cruise raffle from 5-8 p.m. on June 10.
"We're turning a portion of the Mall into a simulated cruise ship [for the night]," Gosselin said. "And we're [going to be] doing all the fun things you'd find on a cruise ... games, special food offers ... an art sale, and live entertainment provided by Kix 97.9."
Gosselin said there will be a $1 per person suggested donation for most events, with the proceeds benefitting the Pioneer Valley Red Cross.
And the Red Cross will be on hand that night, too, helping the Mall promote the event, and "Cruise for a Cause."
"It will be Red Cross volunteer that will be manning all of the events. and there will be Red Cross staff on hand to talk to people about [our] programs and services," Clark said. "It will be a fun night for all of us."
"People can also register to win a free luxury cruise for two on the NCL Norwegian Dawn the same week as Cruse for a Cause," Gosselin added.
And, every family that attends Fantasy Cruise Night will receive a free travel bag.
Get tanned, get pampered
The 11-day itinerary aboard the brand-new NCL Norwegian Dawn includes stops at six tropical ports-of-call, including NCL's own private island, and four fun-filled days at sea.
And NCL plans to really roll out the red carpet for its Cruise for a Cause guests, with special private parties, complimentary seminars and the best freestyle dining options in the industry.
Norwegian Dawn guest can choose from 10 restaurants featuring everything from French, Asian and italian cuisine to the down-home comfort of a great steak house.
And get business tips from pros
In addition to the Norwegian Dawn's full slate of fun activities for its cruise guests, the March 5 sailing will also include special free business seminars hosted by industry leaders.
Get tips on blogging your business, on cost-saving media alternatives, on turning contacts into customers, and on business and philanthropy, all while enjoying some time in the sun and helping out the Red Cross.
Book soon! Space is limited!
Only 250 cabins have been set aside for the Pioneer Valley Red Cross fund-raiser.
For a flyer with specifics on the March 5, 2006 Red Cross Cruise for a Cause, stop by Mall Services at Eastfield Mall, or visit www.cruiseforacause.com.
The Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross will also have information available about the march 5, 2005 "Cruise for a Cause"
"We're promoting it on our web site and including the flyers in many of our direct mail pieces this summer," Clark said.
To book your reservations, call Protravel International at 1-800-684-1414 and request the special Cruise for a Cause rate.
Past beneficiaries of NCL "Cruises for a Cause" have included the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, the Children's Miracle Network, and the Ronald McDonald House.
More information on NCL's Cruise for a Cause partnership with charities is available at www.cruiseforacause.com.
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