Charlie Sanders Scholarship Foundation to Benefit from
NFL Hall of Famers Caribbean Cruise
Rochester, MI (June 21, 2011)—College-
NFL Hall of Famers Charlie Sanders, Lem Barney, Leroy Kelly, Elvin Bethea and other former NFL players will lead the roster aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas February 13-20, 2011. The cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting the islands of St. Thomas, St. Martin, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
This special cruise includes two private cocktail parties; a private autograph session, a private question and answer session, NFL films viewing, group activities and more. These private sessions are only available to those booking direct with Cruise Holidays.
Space is limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Cruise rates begin at $1168.95 per person and include all taxes, gratuities, transfers, meals, entertainment, access to all private functions, memories and more.
About the Players
Charlie Sanders was a third round pick by the Detroit Lions in 1968. He recorded 30 or more receptions seven times, 500-plus receiving yards six seasons, was the Lions’ all-time reception leader (336) at time of retirement, was the team’s leader or co-leader in receptions six of his 10 seasons and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Lem Barney was a second-round draft pick in 1967. The fifth cornerback to enter the Hall of Fame, his career record includes: 1,077 yards on 56 interceptions, 1,312 yards on punt returns, and 1,274 yards on kickoff returns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Leroy Kelly was an eighth-round draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1964. He was a 1,000 yard rusher his first three years after becoming regular in 1966. Leroy won NFL rushing titles in 1967 and 1968. His career stats include: 7,274 yards rushing; 2,281 reception yards; 2,774 return yards; 12,330 combined yards; and 90 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Elvin Bethea was a Houston Oilers third-round draft pick in 1968. At time of his retirement he held three team records relating to service: most seasons (16), most career regular season games played (210), most consecutive regular season games played (135) and although not an official NFL statistic until 1982, his unofficial 105-career sack total still ranks as team best, as are the 16 sacks in 1973. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
“Charlie Sanders is an important part of our community and we are lucky to have such a resource here in Rochester. Charlie is one of the most outstanding and giving individuals I have met,” said Scott Hunter, local owner of a Cruise Holidays franchise in Rochester Hills.
As great of a player that Sanders was on the field, he has had an even greater presence off the field, helping countless charitable organizations. Sanders, who is the Lions' Assistant Director of Pro Personnel, has been affiliated with the Lions in various capacities for 40 years, and has always been committed to assisting community efforts. While a player, Sanders annually supported March of Dimes and was a United Way spokesman for the team. Today, he continues to assist many charities but has focused his efforts on two that are particularly close to his heart – the Family2Family Foundation of Michigan and the Charlie Sanders Scholarship Foundation.
Corporate sponsorships are still available for this cruise.
For more information on this special cruise, call Cruise Holidays at 248-891-6809, or go to www.cruisesbyscott.com.
