To celebrate The Cat in the Hat’s recently announced presidential campaign, Carnival Cruise Line – the exclusive cruise line partner of Dr. Seuss Enterprises and the Official Seagoing Campaign Headquarters for the world’s favorite feline – teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to host a rally for kids at the Memphis, Tennessee, hospital.

Part of Carnival Cruise Line’s “Head of State Play Date” at the hospital, the #CatinHat4Prez-themed event coincides with the release of the new Dr. Seuss book, “One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote,” that teaches kids about the election process and the importance of voting.

Joined by his running mates, Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Cat in the Hat, decked out in his special presidential attire, hit the campaign trail at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to showcase his platform of “it’s fun to have fun but you have to know how” and led kids in a special Seuss-a-palooza Presidential Parade.  The young voters also participated in patriotic-themed arts and crafts and had their voices heard as they chose their favorite Dr. Seuss book. Delicious and creative Dr. Seuss-themed culinary choices were offered, as well.

The #CatinHat4Prez-inspired activities are part of Carnival’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program, which is operated in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and features exciting youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss.

In addition to serving as the Official Celebration Partner of St. Jude, Carnival conducts a variety of Care to Play: Carnival for St. Jude Kids shipboard fundraising activities which have generated more than $10 million in donations since the partnership began in 2010.

Activities include a fun dance activity called Groove for St. Jude and the Build-A-Bear at Sea Workshop where kids can make their own stuffed animal with proceeds benefiting the hospital.  Additionally, when guests purchase a designated bakery item from the line’s on-board shops or prior to their cruise on carnival.com, Carnival donates a portion of each item sold to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.