Children To Benefit From River Cruise Ship’s Art Collection

This is a great thing that AmaWaterways is doing. Here’s their official press release:

River cruise line AmaWaterways has donated the entire onboard art collection from its recently renovated ship, the AmaDagio, to the Avignon chapter of Kiwanis International. The artwork, which will be auctioned off to raise money for local children’s charities, was ceremoniously handed over at a special reception aboard the AmaDagio on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

“One of the main reasons we started this company 10 years ago was to provide enriching experiences that bridge different cultures and bring people together,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-founder. “Over the years, we’ve established a warm relationship with the townspeople along our European routes and we’re very excited to now have this opportunity with the beautiful city of Avignon.”

AmaWaterways has operated in southern France for several years and the 150-passenger AmaDagio cruises exclusively in the Rhone River Valley. Recently, the company opted to replace the ship’s existing artwork with reproductions of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, in honor of the artist’s lifelong love of Provence.

“The AmaDagio’s former art collection included a number of lovely, high quality paintings,” explained AmaDagio’s Hotel Manager Luis de Sousa Marques. “We thought it was a wonderful opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local community, and the Kiwanis club in Avignon generously agreed to auction off the collection to benefit worthy children’s charities.”

The AmaDagio event was attended by about 40 guests, including local dignitaries and city officials, the Italian Consul in the Department of Vaucluse, Mrs. Monique Albergati, AmaDagio Captain Louis Devaux, members of Kiwanis France and local print/broadcast media. Karen Argonza, representing AmaWaterways US headquarters, was also on hand for the festivities. Attendees were treated to a VIP tour of the ship’s facilities, cocktails, and remarks from AmaWaterways Director of European Operations Leonardo Starico, Kiwanis d’Avignon President Jacques Cambuzat, Avignon’s deputy mayors, Aimé Gallo and Valérie Wagner, and the city’s mayor, Hélène Mazarian. Later, approximately two dozen Kiwanis members from clubs in Avignon and Carpentras stayed aboard for a luncheon prepared by the AmaDagio’s executive chef.

“Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time,” Mr. Starico said. “AmaWaterways is proud to be associated with such a dedicated and respected organization, and we look forward to an ongoing and rewarding relationship with the citizens of Avignon.”

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal the line’s award-winning fleets compliment a variety of travel plans.

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways introduced the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

About Kiwanis International

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, Kiwanis Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, dedicate annually more than 18 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 600,000 adult and youth members in 7700 clubs in 80 countries. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org.

For more information on AmaWaterways or to book your cruise, please call Premier Custom Travel at (800) 304-6789.