Fund Raiser Cruises
Have you thought about a cruise for your next fund raiser?
A cruise offers the best service and highest value. Whatever your group requirements, you can count on Cruise World to create a custom package for you.
For more information on putting together a fund raiser cruise contact Cruise World today at (800) 228-1153.
"Selling Cruises for Causes" Reprinted from Travel Agent Weekly (03/08/2004)
By Claudette Covey
Anyone who says the travel agency business is all about making money hasn't met Susan Zoller, president of Tampa, Fl. based Cruise World. "You can't be successful in business if you're not going to give back to the community," she said. "You have to give in order to get."
It's not surprising that a person with such an attitude has successfully tapped into the fund-raising cruise niche. The journey that transformed Zoller into an expert at selling this type of cruise, however, was unspeakably painful, yet richly rewarding, she said.
Shortly after Zoller opened Cruise World in 1997, the unimaginable happened. Her teenage son, Ryan, was killed in a car accident on the way home from a graduation party. The teenage driver of the car had been drunk.
Ryan's death spurred Zoller to begin working with schools to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving. She also created the Ryan Zoller Foundation, which provides students with college scholarships.
Because charitable endeavors had become of paramount importance to Zoller, she actively sought out cruise lines that would partner with the agency to create fund-raising events. She found such a partner in Carnival Cruise Lines, which had recently launched Carnival Cruising for Charity, which enables agents to help nonprofit groups raise even more money through a matching fund plan.
Zoller planned a fashion and talent show fund-raiser event on Carnival's Sensation to raise money for college scholarships. Eighteen schools participated, and more than 450 people attended.
The event, which was held on a day when the ship was in port, raised enough money for six scholarships, which included matching contributions from Carnival.
"I thought this was so significant that I wanted to organize fund-raiser cruises," said Zoller, adding that any organization that is a nonprofit entity is eligible.
She then set out to promote a cruise that would raise funds for MAPS International, a full-service, nonprofit adoption agency -- the organization Zoller and her husband, Wald, used to adopt a Romanian baby named Maria in 2000. "She has absolutely brought so much love and joy into our lives," said Zoller.
The five-day cruise, aboard Carnival's Fascination, included more than 100 people, including adopted children and their families, and social workers, Zoller said. Social workers were able to earn credits for study programs from onboard lectures, and parents had the chance to partake in family-parenting classes.
"It was so rewarding to spend quality time with these families," Zoller said. "We mingled and had a great time."
Fund-raising cruises now account for 25% to 30% of Cruise World's business, Zoller said. One of the elements that make these cruises a winning proposition for agents is the fact that fund-raising groups usually book again -- and also recommend the cruises to other organizations.
"There's a high level of repeat and referral business. Once you've done the fund-raiser once, you've planted the seed," said Zoller, adding that through 2005 she has signed contracts with no fewer than 10 nonprofit organizations for fund-raising cruises.
Zoller has also targeted hospitals heavily for fund-raisers. She built this segment by first contacting hospitals' human resources department and then presenting a creative program HR can sell to its employees. "You have to be proactive and persistent and tell them it's a great way to raise money, have fun and create wonderful camaraderie among employees."
In addition to hospital groups, church groups account for a large chunk of Cruise World's fund-raising business. Although the church always played an active role in Zoller's life -- she has long been a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, Fla. -- it became even more important since Ryan's death. "Without my faith I don't think I'd be here today," she said.
Zoller noted that all churches have different clubs, from men's to women's to seniors. What she does is present the idea of a cruise to that particular clubs fund-raising committee. "Once they select a date we customize fliers and we present it," she said. Cruise World then organizes a cruise night at the church.
All things considered, Zoller's fund-raising efforts have paid off. The 11-person agency has grown significantly every year. Cruise World's annual sales volume was $7 million 2003, and Zoller is projecting an annual volume of $10 million this year.
In essence, Zoller believes she's been doubly blessed. "To be able to mix my passion for my business with my passion for helping others is the most rewarding experience. It brings a special balance to life."
A cruise offers the best service and highest value. Whatever your group requirements, you can count on Cruise World to create a custom package for you.
For more information on putting together a fund raiser cruise contact Cruise World today at (800) 228-1153.
"Selling Cruises for Causes" Reprinted from Travel Agent Weekly (03/08/2004)
By Claudette Covey
Anyone who says the travel agency business is all about making money hasn't met Susan Zoller, president of Tampa, Fl. based Cruise World. "You can't be successful in business if you're not going to give back to the community," she said. "You have to give in order to get."
It's not surprising that a person with such an attitude has successfully tapped into the fund-raising cruise niche. The journey that transformed Zoller into an expert at selling this type of cruise, however, was unspeakably painful, yet richly rewarding, she said.
Shortly after Zoller opened Cruise World in 1997, the unimaginable happened. Her teenage son, Ryan, was killed in a car accident on the way home from a graduation party. The teenage driver of the car had been drunk.
Ryan's death spurred Zoller to begin working with schools to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving. She also created the Ryan Zoller Foundation, which provides students with college scholarships.
Because charitable endeavors had become of paramount importance to Zoller, she actively sought out cruise lines that would partner with the agency to create fund-raising events. She found such a partner in Carnival Cruise Lines, which had recently launched Carnival Cruising for Charity, which enables agents to help nonprofit groups raise even more money through a matching fund plan.
Zoller planned a fashion and talent show fund-raiser event on Carnival's Sensation to raise money for college scholarships. Eighteen schools participated, and more than 450 people attended.
The event, which was held on a day when the ship was in port, raised enough money for six scholarships, which included matching contributions from Carnival.
"I thought this was so significant that I wanted to organize fund-raiser cruises," said Zoller, adding that any organization that is a nonprofit entity is eligible.
She then set out to promote a cruise that would raise funds for MAPS International, a full-service, nonprofit adoption agency -- the organization Zoller and her husband, Wald, used to adopt a Romanian baby named Maria in 2000. "She has absolutely brought so much love and joy into our lives," said Zoller.
The five-day cruise, aboard Carnival's Fascination, included more than 100 people, including adopted children and their families, and social workers, Zoller said. Social workers were able to earn credits for study programs from onboard lectures, and parents had the chance to partake in family-parenting classes.
"It was so rewarding to spend quality time with these families," Zoller said. "We mingled and had a great time."
Fund-raising cruises now account for 25% to 30% of Cruise World's business, Zoller said. One of the elements that make these cruises a winning proposition for agents is the fact that fund-raising groups usually book again -- and also recommend the cruises to other organizations.
"There's a high level of repeat and referral business. Once you've done the fund-raiser once, you've planted the seed," said Zoller, adding that through 2005 she has signed contracts with no fewer than 10 nonprofit organizations for fund-raising cruises.
Zoller has also targeted hospitals heavily for fund-raisers. She built this segment by first contacting hospitals' human resources department and then presenting a creative program HR can sell to its employees. "You have to be proactive and persistent and tell them it's a great way to raise money, have fun and create wonderful camaraderie among employees."
In addition to hospital groups, church groups account for a large chunk of Cruise World's fund-raising business. Although the church always played an active role in Zoller's life -- she has long been a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, Fla. -- it became even more important since Ryan's death. "Without my faith I don't think I'd be here today," she said.
Zoller noted that all churches have different clubs, from men's to women's to seniors. What she does is present the idea of a cruise to that particular clubs fund-raising committee. "Once they select a date we customize fliers and we present it," she said. Cruise World then organizes a cruise night at the church.
All things considered, Zoller's fund-raising efforts have paid off. The 11-person agency has grown significantly every year. Cruise World's annual sales volume was $7 million 2003, and Zoller is projecting an annual volume of $10 million this year.
In essence, Zoller believes she's been doubly blessed. "To be able to mix my passion for my business with my passion for helping others is the most rewarding experience. It brings a special balance to life."
