Holland America Line Hosts Puget Sound Chapter of American Cancer Society’s 100th Birthday Celebration Aboard ms Westerdam

May 21, 2013 1:20 PM ET

May 21, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Holland America Line hosted a celebratory luncheon aboard ms Westerdam Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Port of Seattle in honor of the American Cancer Society’s 100th birthday. Following the 100th birthday-themed luncheon, attendees were invited to a presentation in the ship’s lounge by Holland America Line and American Cancer Society executives, followed by a ship tour.

“We were honored to host this milestone luncheon for the American Cancer Society,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. “Having entered into a more comprehensive partnership with the American Cancer Society this year, we’re proud to support an organization that touches so many lives around the world.”

Kruse is a member of the American Cancer Society’s “CEOs Against Cancer” program and the line raises funds through its “On Deck for a Cause” shipboard giving program, which benefits six international cancer organizations. On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing aboard each of the line’s 15 ships, with proceeds distributed among the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, Cancer Research UK, Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) and KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society).

“We thank Holland America Line for supporting our organization and generously hosting this celebration lunch,” said Chuck DeGooyer, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. "Thanks to the generosity of companies like Holland America Line and partnerships like ‘On Deck for a Cause,’ together we are creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays."

American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the society has 11 geographic divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide and a presence in more than 5,100 communities. Its mission is to prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

The American Cancer Society works toward those goals by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.

Each year, Holland America Line hosts more than 25 shipboard charity luncheons for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America Line and its corporate foundation’s charitable-giving programs provide cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.

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