March 8 saw the announcement of the Marine Industry Cares Foundation (MICF) that Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) charitable foundation, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), will be the Presenting Sponsor at MICF’s major annual fundraiser, the upcoming Spin-A-Thon rides for kids, on April 19, 2013.

The nonprofit Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), founded in 1998, focuses its efforts on programs designed to strengthen and improve the quality of life in communities served by members of the Cruise Lines International Association. CICF supports civic and community development, educational assistance and training programs, and environmental preservation initiatives.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers.

MICF brings the local maritime community together with local businesses in a united effort to help underprivileged children and families within the local community. CICF works with the cruise industry, along with associated executive and travel agent partners, to give back to their local communities and, with such a strong presence in South Florida, an alignment with MICF will increase awareness. MICF is proud to announce that the beneficiaries of fundraising efforts for this year are Kids in Distress (KID) and the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDTC.), two Fort Lauderdale-based organizations making a difference in the lives of local children and families who need their services, will benefit from this year’s proceeds.

“We are very happy to have CICF on-board as a partner and as the Spin-A-Thon’s Presenting Sponsor this year“, said Mole Telfer, Chairman of the Marine Industry Cares Foundation. He adds, “CICF’s vision and mission are in line with that of MICF and we are working to encourage the marine industry as a whole, to work with their local communities. It is fantastic to have this kind of support from the cruise industry”.

Christine Duffy, President and CEO of CLIA, said “We are proud to see so many Cruise Line Members and Executive Partners of CLIA continuing to be such strong supporters of this worthy event, and we are happy to help support the great work of MICF. We would like to thank MHG Insurance Brokers, MTN Satellite Communications, Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, K&L Gates, Wartsila and Total Marine Solutions, along with so many others for their support of this event.”

The Spin-A-Thon is a six hour spinning bike team endurance event and one of the most unique fundraising programs for MICF and its charitable beneficiaries. Kids in Distress (KID) and Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC), two Fort Lauderdale based organizations making a difference in the lives of local children and families who need their services will benefit from this year’s proceeds.

The Spin-A-Thon is proud to be a Winterfest-sanctioned event, and MICF is a Riverwalk Trust partner organization. Since its inception in 2009, the event has raised and donated over $350,000 in the fulfillment of its mission to mobilize the generous spirit of the maritime community to benefit children and families in need.

The MICF 5th Annual Spin-A-Thon Presented by Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 1p.m. to 7p.m. at Esplanade Park in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.