When AmaWaterways recently replaced the entire art collection onboard AmaDagio with new reproductions of Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks, it knew exactly what to do with the old artwork: the line donated the entire former art collection to the Avignon, France chapter of Kiwanis International.
The artwork, which was handed over on August 4th at a special reception aboard the AmaDagio, will be auctioned off to raise money for local children’s charities in the Avignon region, benefitting one of the many communities that AmaWaterways operates in.
“One of the main reasons we started this company 10 years ago was to provide enriching experiences that bridge different cultures and bring people together,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Founder. “Over the years, we’ve established a warm relationship with the townspeople along our European routes and we’re very excited to now have this opportunity with the beautiful city of Avignon.”
“The AmaDagio’s former art collection included a number of lovely, high quality paintings,” explained AmaDagio’s Hotel Manager Luis de Sousa Marques. “We thought it was a wonderful opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local community, and the Kiwanis club in Avignon generously agreed to auction off the collection to benefit worthy children’s charities.”
The AmaDagio sails the magnificent Rhone River, which led to AmaWaterways making the decision to change up the onboard art collection to reflect its unique itineraries.
The event aboard the AmaDagio earlier this month was attended by guests, dignitaries and city officials, including AmaDagio’s Captain, Louis Devaux, and Karen Argonza from the line’s California-based headquarters. The line is clearly proud of this unique opportunity to give back to the community that has been so good to it.
“Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time,” said Leonardo Starico, AmaWaterways’ Director of European Operations. “AmaWaterways is proud to be associated with such a dedicated and respected organization, and we look forward to an ongoing and rewarding relationship with the citizens of Avignon.”
More information on AmaWaterways and the beautiful AmaDagio can be found by viewing our complete line and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.
