"An Evening with the Stars"
Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
Gala Dinner Extravaganza
March 21, 2001

The Member Lines of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) celebrated yet another successful Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza, their 7th Annual fund-raiser benefiting the FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean.  This year's event, held on March 8, raised approximately $200,000 for the Foundation with almost 600 cruise industry partners and top cruise executive spending the evening exchanging views and ideas while dining in a social atmosphere. 

The Event Sponsors, Port of Miami and Miami Convention & Visitor's Bureau, transformed center court at the American Airlines Arena from a sports setting into a formal dining atmosphere.  The Gala, which took place during the week of the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, was co-sponsored by Miller Freeman and Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention with Park West Gallery, Cruise Management International and Onboard Media sponsoring the art auction, donating over 100 pieces of marvelous artwork.

"Congratulations, the Gala was a stunning success.  Everyone associated with the FCCA is also very proud that all proceeds from the dinner are contributed to the FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean.  As awards for the Foundation's Poster Competition were given to the winners, the significance of the Foundation's work was wonderfully evident.  We could see for ourselves that by working together we each can make a difference in the world, and felt a renewed commitment to all the important and outstanding work of the FCCA." stated Robert Giangrisostomi, Deputy Executive Director for Business Development, Canaveral Port Authority, as he described the evening.

The FCCA's Chairman, Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation's Chairman and CEO welcomed all, as the guests were treated to an exquisite dinner followed by an evening of entertainment provided by Dan Leslie Entertainers.  Also on hand to share in the celebration were the first place winners of the Foundation's Environmental Poster Competition. Samal Duggins (senior division) from St. Kitts and Khamiya Henry (junior division) from Trinidad both expressed their gratitude to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association as they accepted their prizes.

The FCCA Foundation of the Caribbean, now in its eighth year of existence has impacted the lives of thousands of Caribbean citizens providing almost $2 million in funding to causes and charities throughout the region.

Special thanks to all attendees for making the "Evening with the Stars" a success and for their continued support ensuring the Foundation continues to be a positive force in the lives of Caribbean citizens.

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