Maryland Legion Riders launching charity cruise

Legionnaire Tim Clarke calls himself both a promoter and fund raiser by nature. A member of Post 116 in Riestertown, Md., he has participated in the previous two Legacy Runs benefitting the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund.

But Clarke wanted to do more for the fund. So he's organized "The Legion Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser Cruise," set for Sept. 26, 2010. The Carnival cruise ship Pride will leave Baltimore for a seven-day eastern Caribbean trip; a portion of the cabin fees will go directly to the Legacy fund.

"I got to talk to people about ways I could raise more money for the Legacy fund," Clarke said. "I have a friend in Texas who owns a travel agency, and her agency and Carnival are helping out with this."

Interior cabins on the cruise cost $724.89 per person, while balcony cabins are $874.89; $35 of each cruise fare will be donated to the scholarship fund, while Carnival and Terry's Travel will match that contribution.

"We've had 20 sign up already, and we have another 30 people on the fence," Clarke said.

The first deposit on the cabins are $125 and are due Dec. 1. A second deposit is required by March 1, 2010, while the final payment is due July 1, 2010.

Post 116's Legion Riders are no strangers to fund raising for the Legacy fund. They have organized a fund raiser at a local pizza restaurant on Veterans Day; 15 percent of the night's proceeds will go toward the fund.

"I was in the restaurant's parking lot passing out coupons that I made for the fund raiser," Clarke said. "When people found out what the fund was for, they said, ‘That's a good idea. I will come by for lunch, and I may bring my family back that night for dinner.'"

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Tim Clarke(443) 744-1617 Terry's Travel(281) 855-3067(800) 551-3067 www.terrystravelco.com