Fundraisingcruises.org

08/16/2024

Please forward to friends & family in Oklahoma, NW Texas, W. Arkansas, to donate Blood by Sunday August 18th to be entered into the OBI Endless Summer Contest!!!

Donor Centers | Our Blood Institute (obi.org)

OBI Endless Summer $10K Vacay Giveaway | Our Blood Institute

Prize: There is one (1) prize available to Event participants from Dream Vacations. One (1) Event winner will receive a vacation package from Dream Vacations up to $10,000 in value. For every 1,000 successful donations, we will add $500 to the jackpot, up to a maximum of $10,000. Additional entries may be purchased with donor points in the OBI donor store after initial donation. Dream Vacation reservation may be subject to availability and may only be available during non-peak times. Taxes, fees, resort fees and personal expenses may not be included and will be the responsibility of the winner. Dave Proudfit at Dream Vacations will work with the winner to find their USA dream vacation.

Enter to win the Azamara Luxury Cruise for Two Sweepstakes!
This is your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Go to:
Freetripfor2.com

07/29/2024

Here are a few suggestions, which will make this cruise your "Best Vacation" experience. If you have any suggestions of your own, please send them to me!

With many years in the travel business, I have accumulated a few suggestions which may also be helpful for a Resort or other Land vacation.

Over the next few days I will post a few at a time here and on our other sites, www.milestonevacations.com and www.Fundraisingtrips.org

If you have any questions, post them or IM me.

Thanks,
Dave


· Consider purchasing travel protection for common travel problems like flight delays, injuries and illness, unpredictable weather and lost or stolen luggage. First check to see if you have coverage through your personal insurance or the credit card you use to pay for the travel. To have pre-existing conditions covered you may need to purchase the insurance 7-10 days after you pay the initial deposit. If you would like a quote for trip insurance from us – please ask.
· We can help you book your flights, or you can do it on your own. I recommend always flying into your departure Port the day before your cruise departs. You don’t know if mechanical or weather issues may delay a flight the day of your cruise – you DO NOT want to miss the boat! Book departure flights at noon or later, on the day the ship returns. Depending on the distance from pier to airport, you may be able to fly out at 11am, however I would not chance it earlier than that. Please send us your flight itinerary if you do book it yourself.
· Remember you will drop off your luggage at the pier and the porters will deliver the luggage to your cabin later in the evening. It may take several hours before your luggage makes it to your cabin, so keep medications in a carry-on, and anything else you will need in case your luggage arrives late.

07/26/2024

Enter to win the Azamara Luxury Cruise for Two Sweepstakes!
This is your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Go to:
www.freetripfor2.com

Enter to win the Azamara Luxury Cruise for Two Sweepstakes!
This is your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Imagine immersing yourself in all-inclusive luxury, exploring the world's most breathtaking destinations. With Azamara, your expectations will be exceeded through world-class amenities, premier service, and meticulously crafted itineraries. Each ship is magnificently designed to traverse oceans and glide along scenic waterways, unveiling hidden gems off the beaten path.

Seize this moment! Enter to win the Azamara Luxury Cruise for Two by October 13th, 2024, and let your dreams set sail!

05/04/2024

Please help us increase the Blood Supply and Save Lives!

Donate Blood at any OBI location today in Oklahoma, North Texas, or Western Arkansas, and you will be entered into our drawing for a Cruise for 2 from Galveston courtesy of Dream Vacations.

Donate at one of the Donor Centers or at any of the remote locations.

Go to this link to learn more and/or make an appointment -
https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/zip

Thank you for your help!!

Dave

04/27/2024

VIDEO – ‘He’s an Ace’: Wisconsin Eighth Grader Stops School Bus When Driver Passes out

Thanks to his mechanic father, Acie Holland Jr., the young student regularly works on cars with his dad, so taking control of the bus during those stressful moments came naturally to him.

“Anytime he can help with anything he’s gonna do it,” his father explained.

The outlet noted that Holland also helped jumpstart the news crew’s car when its battery died.

An eighth grader is being praised for taking action during an emergency on his school bus in Glendale, Wisconsin, on Wednesday.

04/15/2024

Call us for this National Parks Escorted tour - 918-520-6890

8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
From
$2199
Land Only

$2629*
Air & Land
Video
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Featured Hotels
Optional Tours
Trip Preparation
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Escorted Package Includes
Flights Los Angeles-Rapid City, Salt Lake City-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
7 nights accommodations
2 nights Rapid City
1 night Cody
2 nights Yellowstone National Park
1 night Jackson
1 night Salt Lake City
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Services of a local guide
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Special Features

Crazy Horse Memorial, started over 50 years ago and still incomplete
Mount Rushmore, the iconic massive carved sculpture of the faces of four U.S. presidents
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States
Discover dramatic Grand Teton National Park with its jagged peaks, glaciers, lakes and dense forests

04/13/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PwDFddpo4c

National Geographic and BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer Bertie Gregory release unprecedented footage of Emperor penguin chicks leaping 50 feet off an Ant...

04/13/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Lorie N. from Salem, Oregon.



"I was heading into the UPS store with a small package to return. The woman going in front of me had a handful of boxes, so I offered to open the door for her. She was so appreciative, and then let me go ahead of her in line. When I got to the counter, the QR code was not showing in my email and I was getting antsy. The young man who was helping me asked for my phone, so I gave it to him, and he performed his magic, and before long, the QR code showed up. Then, when I was leaving the store, the same woman said, 'Here, let me get the door for you!' The whole thing was just a great experience and reminded me that kindness goes a long way."

04/13/2024

Restaurant owner drives six hours to deliver a cancer patient's favorite meal, donates $1K to her hospice care center. (More)

https://www.mamakwans.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g-gN6KHmNs&t=1s

We want to welcome you to Mama Kwans Outer Banks grill and tiki bar, the OBX restaurant we like to hang out at, eat, meet friends and drink our cares away.

03/30/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Alice F. from Blue Lake, California.



"I work at a school. One of my students is having a hard time as their parent is going through a second round of chemo. They really like tea, so on my way to school I stopped at my local co-op and picked out some of their favorite flavors of tea along with a few produce items I needed to make dinner. As I went to pay, I realized my card was expired. I had enough to pay for the tea on another card but asked the cashier if I could put the produce back. The cashier said, 'How about we do this,' as they pulled out their card and paid for it all. 'We all need help sometimes.' We do. It’s true."



"As I gathered my items, the cashier went on their break. I had never seen them before and did not get a chance to find out their name. All I could do was think about how much of an impact they had on me, and when I told my student I brought them tea that feeling of kindness flooded through me again, as they had the biggest smile on their face. Sometimes we just don’t realize how many people are impacted by our act of kindness."

03/18/2024

Etymological Map of America

Cities and states in America are often seen merely as location on a map, but their names often carry historical significance. We did our research to uncover the meaning behind the names of each U.S. state and its capital city.

03/09/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Natalie H. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.



"Last week my 10-year-old daughter had set up a lemonade stand on our corner to catch folks coming home from work, doing their evening walk, etc. She was serving a lady and her kids when a couple came up and stood waiting. I was talking to the lady and her kids so my daughter started waiting on the other couple. They asked, 'how much?' My daughter said it was $1. The man then reached in his pocket and pulled out $100 bill and told her no change. We were so shocked. And they just kinda disappeared in the commotion that followed. She was so excited."

02/29/2024

Chasm Lake In Colorado, USA

02/24/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Milam B. in South Carolina.



"In 1951, after graduating from high school, two friends and I took my 1931 Model A Ford on a trip from Louisville, Kentucky, to New Orleans, Louisiana (over 1,700 miles). There were no interstates in those days, and we couldn't get much over 35 mph with the 4-cylinder engine. We drove both day and night and were very seldom relieved from the heat of travel. Upon returning to Louisville, we had run out of funds and had a car problem in Jackson, Mississippi. The only gasoline station opened at 10 am and was a Phillips 66 station that did not perform any auto repairs. They did tell me of a mechanic living across the street from the station. Since it was so late, we were concerned about contacting him."



"With no other answers, we reluctantly knocked on his door and he answered in his PJs. We told him our story and he dressed and took us to his garage, where he spent over an hour repairing the car and bid us farewell. With our limited funds, he would not take a penny and we offered him anything we had in the car as payment (souvenirs, clothes, etc.) and he wouldn't take a thing for his efforts. Three broke boys were able to obtain a loan from a relative in Memphis and carry on to our home in Louisville, with grateful hearts and wonderful experiences with a kind and gentle man."

02/23/2024

Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most popular aurora borealis and northern lights questions I have received over the years.

02/17/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Dan T. in St. Louis, Missouri.



"I grew up on a dairy farm in a small town in southern Illinois. My dad passed away unexpectedly in 2006, just as harvest was starting. The prospect of getting our harvest in was daunting to say the least. Just days after the funeral, our farmer neighbors turned out in force and completed a month long harvest in just two days. The turnout was a testament to the sense of unity in small towns, the solidarity among farmers and the respect people had for our dad. That remains one of the most remarkable examples of kindness, generosity and love I have ever witnessed."

02/17/2024

"I thought, 'I gotta fix this.'"

02/15/2024

”The Love Boat” first aired in 1977 and went on to become one of the most successful shows in TV history during its decade-long run. The program partnered with Princess Cruises, with episodes filmed aboard various ships.

02/10/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Shawna G. in San Manuel, Arizona.



"In January of 1997 I was discharged from the Marines in Quantico, VA. I had a Ryder truck, tow dolly with my car hitched to the back and a 6-month-old son and was ready to head to Arizona. I had one stop before heading out. As I turned down a road in a residential area, I realized it was a dead end and there was no place to turn. As I tried turning the truck and car, they slid down an icy embankment. I had to have a tow truck pull them out and it cost $200, leaving me $300 to get home (which was not possible)."



"People from homes came out to see what was going on. Among them was a fellow female Marine and her daughter; they saw how distraught I was and offered to let me and my son stay at her house for the night, since it was dark and late. As I was getting ready to leave in the morning, she gave me $300 to help me get home. That was 27 years ago, and I still get emotional at that random act of kindness. I don't know how I would have gotten home without that help. I hope this reaches that lady and to tell her I still have not forgotten, nor will I ever forget, and it reminds me to continue doing random acts of kindness."

02/09/2024

The 12 Best Places to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the U.S.

Red envelopes? Check. Sticky rice, dumplings and dim sum? Check. Dancing lions? Check. Here’s where to celebrate Lunar New Year around the country.

02/09/2024

Happy Lunar New Year!!

15-day festival that begins with the new moon between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 in Western calendars. The festival lasts until the following full moon

How long are Lunar New Year festivities? What is the Chinese Zodiac? Here's what to know as the Year of the Dragon celebrations begin.

02/08/2024

Pack Your Beads for the Best Mardi Gras Parties Outside of New Orleans
You don't need to be in the Big Easy to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

You don't need to be in the Big Easy to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

02/08/2024

Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

From where to get costumes and king cake to the official Mardi Gras parade schedule.

02/08/2024

I'm still not sure if it is good or bad that Google tracks me?

Your last 5 years data

1
Country/​Region

1957
Cities

5602
Places

02/06/2024

Earn a $100 referral fee if you send to a friend who books 1 of these 2 weeks! Your friend will also receive an additional $100 discount!!

SPECIAL OFFERS
• 7-nights Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar Lodge
America’s Premier Wilderness Resort

2 BR 2 Bath Condo with Full Kitchen - for up to 8 guests
Special price - $995/week including tax.

Only 2 arrival dates available
Arrive February 16, 2024 - Depart February 23, 2024
or
Arrive March1, 2024 - Depart March 8, 2024


Embrace the rustic elegance of a by-gone era at Big Cedar Lodge, a remote haven of natural beauty and contemporary luxury in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri

Call Dave at 918-520-6890 for details!

Located 10 miles south of Branson, MO, guests are treated to scenic vistas, refreshing mountain air, and Ozark hospitality—at no extra charge. Visit Big Cedar Lodge, where families have been coming for generations to find tranquility and a little piece of heaven on earth.

01/27/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Matthew S. in Arizona.



"When I was a little boy, my grandfather, who has since passed, had the biggest heart you could possibly imagine. We were walking on the sidewalk in San Francisco one morning, and he noticed a young man on the verge of tears standing there all alone ... it turned out the man had just lost his mom to cancer, and didn’t know where else to go and grieve. My grandfather obviously consoled him and ended up giving him a huge hug. It was the first time I had ever seen the kind of relief I saw on that poor guy’s face. I don’t think anyone had been there for him the whole time his mother was dying, and he obviously did not have anyone else."



"There’s nothing like a few kind words and a hug from someone who cares that can transform the darkest moments into the most beautiful ones. Always remember that when you see someone having a tough day."



I think we’re living in a world full of more lonely people than ever before in history. I don’t have a solution for society, but sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to just listen to them and let them let go of all that stuff they’ve been building in their heart for a long time."

01/24/2024

The 10 National Parks That Now Require Reservations

Don't get stuck at the gate without one!

01/22/2024

Northern lights may be visible in more than a dozen states Monday night: Here's what to know

A geomagnetic storm caused by a corneal mass ejection from the sun may cause the northern lights to be visible in more than a dozen states Monday night.

01/21/2024

5 best places to see the Northern Lights around the world

Want front row views of the aurora borealis? From Alaska to Iceland, here are the best places to see the Northern Lights, including the best hotels, tours and tips on how to see them.

01/20/2024

Today, we're sharing a story from reader John M. in Crystal River, Florida.



"On January 4, I placed an online order with Walmart+ to be delivered the following day. Later, I became concerned about my health after finding my blood pressure reading at 207/101. Instead of seeking medical attention, I choose to take my medication and hope it returns to safe levels by morning. But Friday morning, I was sick. Vomiting, disoriented, dizzy. And my blood pressure still dangerously high. Then, Jacqueline arrived with my Walmart order. When I opened the door and asked her to put the groceries on the counter, she could see that I was not well. Instead of just leaving, she asked if I wanted her to call 911. Concerned that I might be having a stroke, I agreed."



"Jacqueline stayed with me as the 911 operator gave me instructions. She assured me that she would not leave until they arrived. In fact, she stayed right through EMS loading me into the ambulance. After a day in the ER, they diagnosed me with Vertigo, gave me medication, referred me to a neurologist, and sent me home. I was thankful that it wasn't something more serious, but what I am most thankful for is her kindness and compassion. Jacqueline, thanks for the help and for the prayers."