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B M & T ••• May/June 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 40 C R U I S E N E W S 19TH ANNUAL TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION FANTASTIC VOYAGE PRESENTED BY DENNY'S SET SAIL ON THE CARNIVAL BREEZE APRIL 29 The Long-Running, Music & Empowerment Themed Cruise Sailed The Gulf of Mexico April 29 Through May 6, Featuring More Than 60 Live Entertainment Acts and Raising Money to Support Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities The sold-out Tom Joyner Founda- tion Fantastic Voyage® pre- sented by Denny's is embarked on its 19th cruise in late April from Galveston, TX. Generally known as the original Party with a Purpose®, this empowering and groundbreak- ing event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. Setting sail April 29-May 6, the 2018 Voyage's promise of nonstop entertainment included An Evening with Anita Baker and performances from artists Tamar Braxton, The Isley Brothers, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, 112, SWV, En Vogue, and The O'Jays. Pictured here is Tom Joyner, radio legend and philanthropist, sailing on the Carnival Breeze for the 19th annual Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Denny's supporting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Hosted by renowned radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner, the Fantastic Voyage® is one of the most popular and spec- tacular events in the country. The first of its kind in inviting African-Americans to cruise with an event solely based on their vacation needs, the Voyage consistently sells out and features notable entertainment to create an unforgettable, 24/7 guest experience. Its action-packed seven-day itinerary boasts informative seminars, morning inspiration, fit- ness classes, intriguing ports, endless activities, concerts, popular celebrities and wildly creative theme nights – all while raising funds to sup- port students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. This year's event took place on the luxuri- ous Carnival Breeze. Additional performanc- es were made by Pastor Shirley Caesar, Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Marvin Sapp, Force MDs, Heatwave, Taste of Honey, and a lineup of famed rappers for "Kings of Crunk" and "Golden Era of Hip Hop" performances, as well as those previously mentioned. "Our cruise just keeps getting bigger and better every year," said an enthusiastic Joyner. " Of course, I love that the Fantastic Voyage is the most fun and entertaining event in the country, but I'm really proud that it's a way to keep on giving to a cause I'm so passionate about. Over the years, we have been able to help so many students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future." "We've proudly partnered with the Tom Joyner Foundation for 17 years and come together over a shared belief and passion for continued education in our nation," said John Miller, Denny's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our presence onboard the cruise is just one of many ways we can show our com- mitment to the rising stars of our country and invest in an initiative that is truly making a dif- ference in students' lives." Denny, America's favorite family dining chain, serves as title sponsor for both the 2018 and 2019 Fantastic Voyages, further highlight- ing their "Hungry For Education" scholarship program. Denny's is a long-time partner with Tom Joyner and has collaborated on many joint initiatives spanning over a decade, all as part of the brand's continued commitment to empowering education and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. Additional event sponsors include Carnival Cruise Line, Microsoft, as well as Ice Byrd and Yoogey frozen yogurt to provide support along with empowering activities and experiences for guests. For more information on The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Denny's, visit BlackAmericaWeb.com . ABOUT THE TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION The Tom Joyner Foundation was founded in 1998 as the brainchild of nationally syndi- cated radio personality Tom Joyner. The mis- sion of the Foundation is to support histori- cally black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, endowments and capacity- building enhancements. Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, $65 mil- lion has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is syndicated by Reach Media to nearly 100 markets and is an Urban One Program.