Four Big Island non-profit organizations will get the chance to host fundraisers aboard the "Pride of America" cruise ship within the year.

The organizations were selected by NCL America as part of the company's efforts to support the community. NCL America will donate the venue and all food, beverage and labor costs. Each organization will oversee and keep all revenue generated from the event.

The company hosts in-port functions to benefit non-profit and community organizations throughout the state. "In June, NCL America invited non-profit organizations to apply for our on-board fundraiser program," said Alan Yamamoto, vice president of Hawai'i Operations for NCL America and received a positive response from a number of organizations.

"We appreciate the excellent work all the applicants do in our community and we wish we could host an event for each of those non-profit groups," Yamamoto said.

"For this year and during these challenging economic times, we want to give a financial boost to organizations that provide important social services and contributions to Hawai'i Island residents and visitors."

Those selected are: Hawai'i Island United Way, Inc.; Hilo Medical Center Foundation; Kona Hospital Foundation; and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai'i – Hawai'i Island.

Events for Hawai'i Island United Way and Hilo Medical Center Foundation will be hosted while Pride of America is docked in Hilo Harbor and events for Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai'i – Hawai'i Island and Kona Hospital Foundation will be hosted while the vessel is anchored offshore in Kailua-Kona.