Business helps nonprofit groups raise funds

A former longtime local airport manager recently started a new business venture aimed to help community organizations raise funding through a unique travel opportunity.

Hans Hess, who spent 25 years as manager of the Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport, is now involved in a different travel industry as owner of Cruise and Vacation Planners LLC. Hess is a master cruise counselor certified by the Cruise Line International Association.

He started a program called Cruising for a Cause, which Hess helps civic groups, churches, museums, nonprofit groups and other various local organization raise funds by offering people a chance to go on a cruise. 

Hess said he spent more than 30 years involved in the Wilson Rotary Club and understands the challenges that civic groups, nonprofit groups and faith-based groups go through to try to raise money to run their programs. He added the travel destinations offered through the Cruising for a Cause program are river cruises in Europe, Alaska cruises, cruises up the coast of Norway, cruises to the Baltic Sea, Russia and destinations to places like Thailand and Vietnam.

“These groups are always looking for ways to raise money,” Hess said. “Some are real good at raising a lot of money and others aren’t necessarily good at it. If you look at the options out there for them to raise, there are few of them. This is just offering them a unique way to help raise money. I think to go on a really cool vacation and help out an organization is kind of a win-win situation. The people going on the trip don’t have to be large groups.”

Hess acknowleged payment for his services will come by commission from one of the cruise lines that he books for a group. However, he added, a portion of the commission will be donated back to the organization that he is working with. 

Hess said if only one cabin is booked on a cruise, he will make a $500 donation to that organization. Fundraising proceeds will be received within 30 days of a group returning from its cruise and funds will be paid by check from Cruise Vacation Planners, Hess added.

There is no cost for organizations to be in the Crusing for a Cause program and expenses are all taken care of by Hess. The organization’s primary responsibility is promoting the cruise journey, and it also has the option of offering participation to other outside groups, Hess said. As an expert on travel safety, Hess added, he is available to talk to groups about that issue as well.

Hess is currently working with the West Nash United Methodist Church in Wilson on a fundraising cruise to Alaska to help the church raise money for its music ministry. He also has had preliminary discussions with groups in Rocky Mount in the hopes to talk to them soon about this fundraising opportunity.

“This is something that nobody is doing, and these travel experiences in most cases are very high on peoples’ bucket lists,” Hess said. “We feel they’re going to take a journey of a lifetime.”

For more information on Cruising for a Cause, contact Hess at 252-206-6181 or go to www.candvplanners.com.