Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 Facebook. More than 15,000 thank you messages were trans- mitted in real time to a tech-enabled grill at the base in San Diego, and then laser printed onto burger buns and served to military troops during a backyard barbecue themed event. In recognition of the thousands of #ThankYouBurger tweets and posts received, Carnival donated $25,000 to help the organization fulfill its mission of building strong, stable and secure military families. Deshauna Barber — godmother to Carnival Vista and the first woman serving in the military to be named Miss USA — joined Carnival Chief Maritime Officer William Burke and Operation Homefront president and CEO Brig. Gen. (ret) John I. Pray Jr. to personally serve nearly 2,000 burgers to military personnel. "We wanted to create a platform for Americans looking to connect with the military and show our gratitude for their service during the July 4th holiday," said Burke. "We all want the troops to know how grateful we – and our country – are for protecting our freedom and this unique social media-pow- ered barbecue is a fantastic way to show our appreciation." "As an American who serves in the military, I really appre- ciate that Carnival Cruise Line looks for meaningful ways to serve us and I'm honored to be a part of this fun event," said Barber. "Thanks to the continuing commitment of amazing part- ners like Carnival Cruise Line, Operation Homefront is able to meet the critical needs of America's military families," added Pray. "Since 2011, we have fulfilled over 35,000 requests for financial assistance. I'm especially thankful to those on social media who helped make this $25,000 donation from Carnival Cruise Line possible as we will be able to deliv- er even more goodness to those that have done so much for all of us – our nation's military families." This special event is part of a continuing partnership between Carnival and Operation Homefront. Last year, hun- dreds of military families were welcomed aboard the compa- ny's newest ship, Carnival Vista, prior to its inaugural sailing from the U.S. The festivities, were the culmination of a year- long campaign called Honor.Family.Fun which helped raise funds and awareness for Operation Homefront and its cause. To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, planners can contact any trav- el agent or call (800) CARNIVAL. Carnival can also be found on: Facebook Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Fa Fa F cebook More than 15 000 thank you messages were trans- long campaign called Honor Fa Fa F mily Fun which helped raise THE 2017 FAM CRUISE GIVEAWAY A merican Cruise Lines offers over 35 elegant 4- to 21-night itineraries to the most sought after destina- tions across the United States. By operating the newest fleet of small cruise ships in the country, they are able to offer your clients the most comfortable and convenient way to explore these majestic rivers and coastal passages. Now is your chance to experience the American Cruise Lines difference for yourself. This summer and fall book your clients with American Cruise their brand new riverboats or coastal cruise ships.* Simply book 12 passengers before December 31, 2017 and you will be cruising with them next year. Contact a cruise specialist at (888) 323-4741 for more infor- mation or to start booking your clients today! Th Th T is summer and fall book your clients with American Cruise