Holland America Line Donates $25,000 to Seattle Children's Hospital as Part of the 'K's for Kids' Program with the Seattle Mariners

SEATTLE, Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Group CEO Stein Kruse presented a check for $25,000 to Seattle Children's Hospital's Uncompensated Care Fund Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at the Seattle Mariners home game at Safeco Field. The company made the donation as part of its partnership with the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team and their "K's for Kids" program that debuted during the 2014 baseball season.

With "K's for Kids," each strikeout (represented as a "K" on the score card) recorded by a Mariners pitcher at Safeco Field throughout the season earned a cash donation from the cruise line to Seattle Children's. Kruse was joined on the field during the check presentation by 14-year-old Seattle Children's patient Jake Finkbonner and his family and the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball All Star and Cy Young award-winning pitcher Felix Hernandez.

"It is rewarding to partner with the Seattle Mariners, who prioritize giving back to the community as we do, and we've eagerly been following the season in anticipation of today's presentation," said Kruse. "The Seattle Mariners earned this donation for Seattle Children's with 667 strikeouts at home this season, and it was an honor to share the field with a young man as courageous and inspirational as Jake."

For the past three years, Holland America Line and the Mariners have maintained a partnership that, in addition to a corporate sponsorship, includes community-based programs. The cruise line sponsors "Get Well Tours" to area hospitals and donated two cruises for raffle at the annual Fan Appreciation Night, on Friday, Sept. 26.

"Holland America Line has been a tremendous supporter over the past three years, and their "K's for Kids" donation is a very special and meaningful piece of the partnership," said Bob Aylward, executive vice president of corporate business for the Seattle Mariners. "We know that Seattle Children's will greatly benefit from the generous donation made during Saturday's game." 

Holland America Line Get Well Tours
Holland America Line is the presenting sponsor of the Seattle Mariners Get Well Tours, visits to area hospitals by Mariners players and the Mariner Moose where children receive photos and autographs. They also get a Holland America Line–branded sports bag filled with Mariners and baseball-related items such as replica baseballs and a Mariner Moose toy.

Holland America Line Fan Appreciation Night
Holland America Line is the presenting sponsor of the annual Fan Appreciation Night celebration at Safeco Field. This year the event was held at the Sept. 26 home game. Fan Appreciation Night is a celebration of the loyalty and support of Mariners fans with random drawings for prizes throughout the game. As part of its sponsorship, Holland America Line provided two cruises which were given away to lucky fans.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note:  Photos are available at https://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WQKs-g4R-2Fx.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

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