President Christine Duffy Raises $85K with Skydive for Hurricane Relief and Veterans

Carnival Cruise Line President Raises $85K with Skydive for Hurricane Relief

On October 19, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy completed a tandem skydive over Tampa Bay to raise funds for the Gary Sinise Foundation and aid hurricane relief efforts. Duffy jumped from “Tico Belle,” a historic World War II C-47 aircraft used in the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.

Duffy was joined by the Round Canopy Parachute Team and the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Para-Commandos, both dedicated to honoring the nation’s military. Her skydive coincided with the first Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise, a five-day sailing to The Bahamas honoring Green Beret Army veterans, Gold Star Families, and their loved ones.

Fundraiser Exceeds Goal, Raises $85K

Carnival Cruise Line’s initial goal of raising $50,000 was surpassed, reaching an impressive $85,000. These funds, boosted by the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation’s donation-matching program, will support the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project, aiding veterans, first responders, and those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

While Duffy described her first skydive as exhilarating, she emphasized the importance of community support. “Jumping from a plane was a rush, but the real thrill is supporting a meaningful cause in one of our key homeport communities,” Duffy remarked. She expressed gratitude to all who donated, helping exceed the fundraiser’s target.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line pledged $80,000 to support hurricane relief, further amplifying the impact of the event.