Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, brought some holiday cheer to kids at the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital in Charleston and The Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, hosting fun-filled “Merry Grinchmas” celebrations with appearances from The Grinch, said a company statement.
Carnival also presented each facility with a $10,000 donation during the festivities.
In addition to a reading of the classic Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, entertainment and youth staff from the Charleston-based Carnival Fantasy and Baltimore-based Carnival Pride cruise ships recreated the line’s popular holiday show with the ships’ singers and dancers performing for kids in each facility’s respective play areas.
The shows were highlighted by a visit from The Grinch as the cantankerous curmudgeon did his best to “stop Christmas from coming” by stealing the cruise directors’ favorite holiday ornament. After being transformed by the real meaning of Christmas, the legendary green character returned the item in a heartwarming end-of-show celebration. The Grinch is entertaining guests throughout the Carnival fleet in December as part of the line’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Dr. Seuss characters and the shipboard team members also distributed Dr. Seuss-themed gift bags to each child. Kids were also given their own Grinch Good Deed Tracker with a list of good deed suggestions to allow them to, just like The Grinch, grow their heart “three times its size.”
“As a proud member of the Charleston and Baltimore communities, we’re delighted to support these two outstanding organizations and create memorable moments for these wonderful kids at this special time of year,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival president.
“Carnival’s Grinchmas, specially coordinated for the children and families in the MUSC Children’s Hospital, brought much color, music and excitement to their hospital stay! The opportunity to meet the Dr. Seuss characters and watch the cruise line performers created fun-filled positive memories for our patients in what can be a stressful environment,” said Betsy McMillian, child life manager at MUSC Children’s Hospital. “Additionally, their generous donation will help make our new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion a reality!”
Added Sandy Pagnotti, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, “The Carnival entertainment team not only spread smiles and holiday cheer to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, but delivered a very generous and much appreciated gift that will go toward providing care to those who use our services in the coming year.”
