Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy earned her wings by completing a tandem skydive over Tampa Bay, raising more than USD$85,000 for the Gary Sinise Foundation.
As reported, Duffy's goal was to raise USD$50,000.
The funds will help those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the tandem skydive coincides with the inaugural Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise on Carnival Paradise.
Duffy’s tandem dive took place as Carnival Paradise departed from the Port of Tampa Bay. Duffy accepted the challenge to jump, as part of the celebration of the SFLI cruise, with the Round Canopy Parachute Team, a non-profit that honours the history of Allied Airborne Forces, as well as members of the USSOCOM Para-Commandos, the U.S. Special Operations Command's premier aerial parachute demonstration team.
Duffy jumped from the “Tico Belle,” a World War II veteran C-47 aircraft flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion on 06JUN 1944.
“Jumping from a plane was a rush, but the real thrill is supporting a meaningful cause in one of our important homeport communities,” said Duffy.
“I thought my first-ever skydive would be a good fundraising opportunity, and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated to this effort. I’m proud we can deliver this significant donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a great organization supporting the work of military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts.”
Video from the jump is available here.
