Carnival Cruise Line and the Houston Texans held the first-ever Summer Kickoff event yesterday for the Havard Boys & Girls Club in Houston.

The celebration of the sunniest season of the year also included a $10,000 donation from Carnival to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.  Additionally for every Houston Texans Bear sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the Houston area during the month of July, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

During the event, Houston Texans players Jadeveon Clowney and Johnathan Joseph hosted a variety of activities that taught gridiron fundamentals to kids.  The kids were also able to create their own Build-A-Bear, which is part of the many family activities available on Carnival’s ships.  They also participated in face-painting, photo ops with Houston Texans Cheerleaders, and enjoyed a sweet treat at Cherry on Top.  Guests could track their activities with a Summer Kickoff passport book, and those who completed all the tasks received a special prize.

”It’s always fun to participate in events where I can bring my son and daughter,” said Joseph. “Carnival has done a great job bringing to life the activities their guests can experience on ship right here at this event. My son had a great time participating in gridiron activities while my daughter loved the Build-A-Bear Workshop activity – and all the candy, of course!”