Whet Foundation believes in making a positive impact through various initiatives, including Destination Donation, Mental Health Awareness, Celebration of Life, Community Captains, and Ocean Conservation.
Whet Travel’s flagship event, Groove Cruise, which sails from Miami on Thursday, January 23, 2025, is pleased to announce its 2025 Whet Foundation philanthropic initiatives.
The Whet Foundation, a Florida-based nonprofit, is dedicated to uplifting lives through creative and impactful initiatives while inspiring a new generation. The foundation’s programs include Destination Donation, which supports underprivileged children in travel destinations, and Mental Health Awareness, offering soul-nourishing sessions for artists, staff, and attendees. The Celebration of Life Ceremony honors loved ones who have passed, while the Community Captains program empowers student leaders with personal development and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, the organization promotes ocean conservation through beach cleanups and events that enhance awareness and fund research.
Groove Cruise Miami 2025 provides attendees with opportunities to engage with the Whet Foundation’s mission. Many volunteers consider their participation with the foundation as one of the most fulfilling aspects of their cruise experience, combining community service with the excitement and anticipation of the event.
Find more about the Groove Cruise Miami 2025 Whet Foundation initiatives, below:
DESTINATION DONATION
The Groove Cruise Miami 2025 Whet Foundation Destination Donation initiative will support malnourished children and families through Second Mile, focusing on reducing childhood malnutrition and improving health for women and children in Haiti. With a caregiver-centered approach, Second Mile addresses health and nutritional needs, offering education, training, and income-generating activities. Haiti has the highest maternal, infant, and child mortality rates in the Western Hemisphere, with 45% of the population facing severe food insecurity. Tragically, 1 in 10 Haitian children dies before age 5, and over 70% of parents seeking help at the Malnutrition Treatment Center have no income when their child falls ill.
We are asking the #GCFAM attendees to help collect the requested donations listed below for Second Mile. All donations can be brought to the Captain Support Desk on the first day of Groove Cruise Miami 2025. Captains attending Groove Cruise Miami 2025 can volunteer to deliver donations to the children and engage in activities, including art and music.
DONATION LIST
(requested donations for Second Mile)
NUTRITION:
- Clothing (Preemie-4T All Genders)
- Toys For Development (Newborn Through Age 5)
- Coloring Books
- Crayons
- Chalk
- Stickers
- Notebooks
- Drawing Pads
- Color Pencils
- Sandwich Crackers (i.e. Cheese Peanut Butter)
- Candy (i.e. Blow Pops Jolly Ranchers)
MATERNITY:
- Socks And Bonnets
- Receiving Blankets
- Preemie/Newborn Onesies
COMMUNITY:
- Soccer Balls
- Sports Equipment
- Backpacks
If you are attending Groove Cruise Miami 2025 and want to sign up to volunteer for Destination Donation, log in to your Whet Travel account HERE by December 2, 2024. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please click HERE.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY
The annual Celebration of Life Ceremony will be hosted to celebrate our loved ones who are no longer with us. The celebration consists of a biodegradable wreath and biodegradable note cards, where participants can share their stories, write a message to their loved ones, and put their message in the wreath to be thrown overboard. In many cultures, the ocean is a primary factor that makes life possible on Earth. Sending off the departed into the ocean symbolizes the end of physical life and the beginning of spiritual rebirth. With the written notes to loved ones, this allows all present to participate and share in this moving experience. It symbolizes a farewell and an opportunity for closure and healing.
MENTAL HEALTH TALKS & WORKSHOPS
When The Music Stops is a nonprofit and community that supports emotional and mental health through music, connection, and love. The Whet Foundation partners with When The Music Stops to facilitate mental health talks covering topics like meditation, maintaining balance, recognizing symptoms, and the power of journaling. When The Music Stops mental health talks and workshops aboard Groove Cruise Miami 2025, include The Power of Music Artist Panel, The Keys to Happiness Workshop, and The Power of Authentic Connection.
- The Power of Music Artist Panel: invites artists to share how music has impacted their lives. The GCFam can ask questions and share their own stories, creating bonds and positivity through music.
- The Keys to Happiness Workshop: This workshop is a wonderful opportunity for the GC Family to learn about the building blocks of happiness and how they can apply them to their daily lives.
- The Power of Authentic Connection: This interactive workshop will explore the power of authentic connection to foster deeper relationships and stronger community bonds.
“When The Music Stops loves working with Whet Foundation on the Groove Cruise for many reasons. The Groove Cruise family is loyal, loving, and caring for each other. The attendees of the Groove Cruise are more than just open to learning about their mental health; they also want to learn how to help others. Each year, When The Music Stops and Whet Foundation push the boundaries of their partnership by adding new layers to the mental health workshops and talks. These unique talks/workshops aren’t just educational but interactive and fun, leaving the Groove Cruise wanting more each year.” – Josh Donaldson, founder, When The Music Stops:
INDUSTRY PANELS
Neon Owl is a community focused on bridging the gap between music and philanthropy and inspiring others to live their most authentic, creative, and passionate lives. The Whet Foundation has teamed up with Neon Owl to bring attendees exclusive artist-hosted panels, offering valuable insights into the electronic dance music industry. Exclusive panels scheduled aboard Groove Cruise Miami 2025 include Breaking into the Music Industry, Behind the Artist, and a Demo Listening Party featuring top artists from the lineup.
“I attended my first Groove Cruise almost 10 years ago and immediately fell in love with Jason Beukema and the Groove Cruise team’s passion for giving back. Since that first cruise, Neon Owl and Groove Cruise have started partnering up on our charity initiatives—whether it was gathering the headlining artists and our captains to participate or our charity merch line collaboration with Groove Cruise and other artists on board, the Whet Foundation initiative has been the most fulfilling part of each sailing.” – Elaine Hwang, Founder, Neon Owl.
Groove Cruise’s 2025 Miami voyage – an unforgettable journey aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas – promises 96 hours of continuous music, a plethora of one-of-a-kind life-changing experiences, and Groove Cruise’s signature immersive programming. Attendees can look forward to 13 stages on the ship plus two on the island, with top-notch production, performances by esteemed DJs, daily theme parties, artist-led activities, beachside destination events, volunteer experiences, mental health discussions, and more. Groove Cruise artists are also known to pop up at the most unexpected places and times and play an impromptu set.
Groove Cruise has established itself as the world’s leading and largest floating dance music festival for over twenty years. Launched in 2004, it has become the most prominent music cruise event ever. Groove Cruise unites people worldwide, creating a second family affectionately known as the #GCFAM. The #GCFAM is connected by shared values, a love for music, and an inclusive spirit. This close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging, where attendees form lifelong friendships and connections. The welcoming camaraderie amplifies the entire experience, making Groove Cruise more than just a festival—it’s a transformative journey surrounded by amazing people who feel like family. When you embark on Groove Cruise, it feels like one big family reunion.
At its core, Groove Cruise embodies the spirit of discovering your unique rhythm while building bonds with fellow cruisers.