Crystal announced a fundraising initiative for the James P. Allison Institute at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
According to a press release, the company and the institute will collaborate to inspire, educate and advance the global mission to end cancer.
Crystal said that MD Anderson is one of the world’s most respected institutions devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The company described the Allison Institute as a research and innovation hub aimed at groundbreaking science that brings the benefits of immunotherapy to all patients.
Through its collaboration, Crystal said it will engage guests and support MD Anderson’s mission via donations, online auctions and more.
“Philanthropy and giving back have always been woven into my family’s values and into Crystal’s legacy,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group.
“This collaboration with the Allison Institute at MD Anderson gives us the opportunity to turn our passion for travel into tangible support to end cancer. It is very meaningful to me to see our guests, crew and shoreside employees come together to make a difference in the lives of others,” he added.
Crystal will contribute a portion of every guest booking to support cancer research at the Allison Institute.
“This initiative is expected to raise substantial funds in the next 15 months to accelerate progress in both patient care and scientific discovery,” the company noted.
Crystal guests will also be invited to join the cause, creating a community-driven effort to support MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer. To make a direct donation, guests may visit a dedicated website available at MDAnderson.org/CrystalCruises.
For bookings made on select sailings on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, Crystal will be donating an additional $250 per person per booking to MD Anderson.
Additionally, the brand will be hosting a special online auction featuring Dance, an evocative bronze statue by acclaimed Japanese sculptor Satoru Kitago, to raise money for various charitable initiatives.
The piece, which has been onboard the Crystal Symphony for years, will be removed during the ship’s upcoming drydock.
A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to MD Anderson, offering art collectors and Crystal guests alike the opportunity to acquire the work while contributing directly to the mission to end cancer.
“Cancer is something that touches all of us in one way or another, so this collaboration holds deep meaning for me both personally and professionally,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.
“Through the funds raised, our goal is to help provide the Allison Institute at MD Anderson with additional resources, tools and technology needed to further their groundbreaking research and, ultimately, bring us closer to a cure,” she added.
“We are driven to conduct exceptional science that brings a deeper understanding of immunology that will enable us to bring cures to many more patients,” said James P. Allison, Ph.D., director of the Allison Institute.
“We are grateful for the support from Crystal, and we look forward to working together through this campaign to fuel more breakthroughs.”
