Carnival Cruise Lines and its Executive Travel Agent Forum presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a $10,000 check during the organization’s recent conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

The event was highlighted by an appearance of Marlo Thomas, national outreach director for St. Jude, whose father, the late entertainer Danny Thomas, founded the organization in 1962.  Thomas gave a moving and impassioned speech that highlighted the efforts of her father and the groundbreaking research and treatment performed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

The Executive Forum donation is part of a comprehensive fundraising initiative between Carnival Cruise Lines and St. Jude called Care to Play that was announced earlier this week.  With a goal of raising $3 million over the next three years, the new fundraising initiative provides guests sailing with the line an opportunity to participate in fun, interactive activities designed to raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer.  Fundraising events include a dance activity called Groove to St. Jude and Carnival’s Teddy Bear Workshop in which children can build their own St. Jude keepsake bear.  Other activities are planned for the future.

Carnival’s Executive Forum is comprised of some of the most influential travel executives throughout the U.S. and Canada, along with key Carnival Cruise Lines executives, who meet several times a year to discuss issues relevant to the cruise industry.