Freedom of the Seas Chooses Godmother

[Joanandjoe]

Several of our members (but not us) will be sailing on the new Freedom of the Seas. Here is an article from another board about the woman chosen as "godmother" for the ship.

February 21, 2006

Royal Caribbean Selects "Freedom" Godmother <]

Royal Caribbean, which has, in conjunction with NBC-TV's "The Today Show," been conducting a contest for best "real" godmother, has selected Portland's Katherine Louise Calder. Actually, Calder, a foster mother to some 400 children over the years, was chosen by popular vote -- 171,000 viewers of "Today" weighed in as Royal Caribbean sought a godmother who was an extraordinary "ordinary" woman.

As godmother, Calder will participate in the ship's christening ceremony in New York on May 12 (which will be aired live on "Today"). Over the last 27 years, Calder has been a foster care provider for hundreds of special needs children, as well as an adoption advocate in the Portland area.

Calder was one of three finalists in the competition. All three received a gift of $25,000 to their favorite charity from Royal Caribbean. The winner received the news this morning when a "Today" correspondent showed up at her home at about 5:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Eastern) to surprise Calder -- who opened the door with a foster baby in her arms -- with the news.

[eagleforest]

Wow that is neat.

During the contest I voted for her.

Now to get her suite as she will be able to cruise for free forever.

I do believe its once a year for ever

[Suzila]

I watched it yesterday when they announced her as the winner. I wonder, with all those kids, if she ever has a chance to actually take a vacation?

Can you imagine taking all those kids in? She deserves to win.

[Mebert]

I wish I could have seen the look on her face when she found out she was the winner.

People who deal with foster children and provide great care deserve a vacation.

I hope she is able to take advantage of that opportunity, having to take care of so many children.

[mrsogni]

She was my choice as well. The patience of a saint that woman has! She deserves every second of that cruise a year for life! BRAVO!

[Shari2]

Anyone who gives loving care to all those needy children is a winner in my book. Congratulations to her!

[GottaCruz]

It's great to hear that someone who is so deserving has been rewarded and acknowledged.