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Christine Duffy's sky dive raises $85k for hurricane relief

Jumping at the chance to support military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy completed a tandem skydive fundraiser over Tampa Bay.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

October 20, 2024

1 Min Read
Christine Duffy with members of the Round Canopy Parachute TeamPHOTO: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Her effort delivered more than $85,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation to help those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Inaugural Special Forces Legacy Initiatives cruise

The dive coincided with the inaugural Special Forces Legacy Initiatives cruise on Carnival Paradise. Additionally, the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation is matching funds to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Duffy’s dive took place Saturday as Carnival Paradise departed from Port Tampa Bay. She dived with the Round Canopy Parachute Team, a nonprofit that honors the history of Allied Airborne Forces, as well as members of the USSOCOM Para-Commandos, the US Special Operations Command's premier aerial parachute demonstration team. Duffy jumped from the Tico Belle, a World War II veteran C-47 aircraft flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.

Supporting a meaningful cause

'Jumping from a plane was a rush, but the real thrill is supporting a meaningful cause in one of our important homeport communities,' Duffy said. She expressed gratitude to those who donated to the effort, adding: 'I’m proud we can deliver this significant donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a great organization supporting the work of military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts.'

The tandem skydive followed a day full of events at Port Tampa Bay, including a special performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, and on board Carnival Paradise.

Special Forces Legacy Initiatives chartered the ship so special forces alumni, their families, Gold Star families and friends could take a five-day cruise to The Bahamas and strengthen the bonds within their community. This sailing is bringing together Green Berets who served from the Korean War to present times.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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