The original Party with a Purpose® is setting sail on an epic 20th Voyage! The 2019 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Denny’s will sail from Miami April 7-14 on the Carnival Magic and make stops in the Caribbean’s Amber Cove, San Juan and St. Thomas. Created as a fundraiser to support students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, this year’s cruise will feature entertainment favorites, informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, notable celebrities, and popular theme nights. Music superstars including Janet Jackson, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, KEM, and more will headline a jam-packed entertainment lineup.
The full lineup for the Fantastic Voyage Cruise is on BlackAmericaWeb.com, though other performing artists from today and yesterday in R&B, Soul, Inspiration/Gospel, Hip Hop and Funk include WAR, Sheila E., Chrisette Michele, Biz Markie, MC Lyte, Smokie Norful, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Brian Courtney Wilson, Midnight Star, S.O.S. Band, Oaktown 357, Mase, Black Sheep, Lady of Rage and more.
Tom Joyner stated, “I’m proud of a lot of things we’ve accomplished on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, but I think I’m most proud of all the students we’ve helped stay in school for the last 20 years, and our biggest fundraiser for HBCUs is the Fantastic Voyage cruise. This year our lineup makes it all the more special – Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Maxwell and an endless list of performers!”
“It has been an honor for Denny’s to be a part of this great work with the Tom Joyner Foundation for almost two decades,” said Denny’s President and CEO John Miller. “When we invest in our students, we know we are investing in the future.”
The Fantastic Voyage® has uniquely become one of the most talked about and sought-after events in the country. Developed upon realizing the needs of African-American cruisers were not being met, Joyner combined his purpose with entertainment (something done daily on his morning show) and came up with the idea to sell cabins at a premium rate to get a superior experience and underwrite HBCUs. By specifically catering to his audience/passengers through ALL activities, media, and even food and beverage, Joyner created an exclusive event that sells out annually and features an exciting lineup of activities and famed entertainers.
This is Denny’s second year as the cruise title sponsor.
For over 18 years, the Tom Joyner Foundation has partnered with Denny’s to support higher education causes, including the Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship, a program that recognizes and rewards students who show initiative and creativity in the fight against childhood hunger in their communities. This year, the Tom Joyner Foundation/Denny’s Filmmaker’s Scholarship Program will recognize six outstanding students from HBCUs who have produced a film about hunger in their communities. On behalf of Denny’s, the Tom Joyner Foundation has awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships to deserving elementary, high school, and college students. The Hungry for Education program, as a whole, has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. Denny’s sponsorship of the Fantastic Voyage is another means by which the company demonstrates a commitment to higher education for minority students.
Joyner first gained popularity after earning the nickname “The Fly Jock” while flying round-trip between Dallas and Chicago five days a week for seven years to host the morning and afternoon drives in two different cities. In his 25 years as a leader in the industry, Joyner’s impact and influence have never wavered. As previously announced, Joyner will end his groundbreaking radio show December 31, 2019. Though no final decisions have been made, Joyner vows to continue the Fantastic Voyage and support of the Tom Joyner Foundation for many years to come.
The 2019 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Denny’s will take place on the Carnival Magic. For more information, please visit BlackAmericaWeb.com. Itinerary, schedule and performances are subject to change.
ABOUT THE TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION
The Tom Joyner Foundation (http://tomjoynerfoundation.org) was founded in 1998 as the brainchild of nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The mission of the Foundation is to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, endowments, and capacity-building enhancements. The Foundation has provided necessary support to every HBCU in its 19-year history to help sustain and preserve the legacies of these valuable institutions. Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, in excess of $65 million has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. Additionally, the Foundation has recommended internships, offered matching grant support, and career development to deserving students.
ABOUT DENNY’S CORP.
Denny’s is one of America’s largest full-service family restaurant chains, currently operating over 1,700 franchised, licensed and company-owned restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guam, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, Curaçao, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Philippines. For further information on Denny’s, including news releases, please visit the Denny’s website at www.dennys.com or the brand’s social channels via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or YouTube.