(CelebrityAccess News Service) – Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo along with a lineup of classic rock legends join the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and Cruising for a Cause (CFAC) for a weeklong Caribbean cruise to raise much-needed awareness and funds to combat childhood hunger in America. The 8 day / 7 night Caribbean voyage aboard Holland America's new vista class ship the Zuiderdam will launch on May 15 from Ft. Lauderdale, cruising to Key West, Cozumel, Georgetown and Half Moon Cay.
Scheduled to perform during six nights of concerts are: Kansas, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Grand Funk Railroad,
Mickey Thomas of Starship and Friends, featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy, Bobby Kimball of Toto and Jimi Jamison of Survivor. In addition to the nightly performances, many of the musicians have recorded public service announcements to bring attention to this hidden crisis.
Hunger threatens the health, education and future of more than 13 million children in America. Compelling evidence shows that even brief periods of hunger for a child can permanently retard physical growth and brain development.
"As parents, it is difficult to imagine that so many children in our own country are not getting the basic nutrition they need to feed their bodies and minds," says Benatar who, along with husband Neil Giraldo, serve as EIF ambassadors for the cruise.
"We're thrilled to join so many of our friends in the music industry for this special cruise event," says Giraldo. "With Cruising for a Cause, the Entertainment Industry Foundation wants to create an experience where people can enjoy themselves while feeling good about making a difference for children."
In total, CFAC hopes to raise $750,000 for EIF's Hunger Free America program which is dedicated to making childhood hunger a national priority, focusing on school meal programs within the public school system, and raising necessary funds to feed at-risk families. CFAC will donate $400 from each purchased cruise fare to the hunger initiative. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
