Rays’ Longoria Reads to Kids Aboard Carnival Paradise
Dressed with a signature Cat in the Hat striped topper, Tampa Bay Rays’ star third baseman Evan Longoria gave a spirited reading of Dr. Seuss’ “What Pet Should I Get” to a rapt audience of several hundred kids from SPCA Tampa Bay camp and local Boys & Girls Clubs. Event was July 30 aboard the Carnival Paradise at Port of Tampa.
Carnival Cruise Line and its partner Dr. Seuss Enterprises teamed up to celebrate the release of the first new Dr. Seuss book in 25 years. Carnival gave a $5,000 check to SPCA Tampa Bay and $2,000 to Pet Pal Animal Shelter, whose representatives came with several adoptive rescue dogs. Carnival also matches Longoria’s donation of $100 to PPAS for every home run he hits this season.
“I was thrilled to participate in this very special event that not only provided local kids with an opportunity to be among the first to read along with the newest Dr. Seuss book but also supports a cause that I hold close to my heart,” said Longoria. “With Carnival matching my own pledge of $100 to Pet Pal Animal Shelter for every home run I hit, I’m really looking forward to a great second half with the Rays.”
Following the reading, the children and their chaperones joined The Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Carnival’s popular Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends, part of the line’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program. Launched in 2014, the fleetwide program features exciting youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss. Included are such fun activities as the Seuss-a-Palooza Parade and Story Time, as well as character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games, and popular movies.
“Carnival is the number one cruise line for families and we’re delighted to team up with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the joy of reading to kids with a special presentation by Rays legend Evan Longoria while supporting animal rescue organizations in the local community,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president. “The kids were absolutely thrilled to be in the presence of an all-star and our most sincere thanks to Evan and the SPCA for the valuable work they do each and every day.
In its first week on sale, ‘What Pet Should I Get?’ sold 200,000 copies, making it the fastest- selling picture book in Random House Children’s Books history, according to the publisher.
Story by Steve Traiman
[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via his NEW email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.]