Philanthropy

Since its establishment, The PPI Group has played a key role in fundraising for worthy causes, giving back to the community, and helping those in need around the world.

Porthole Golf Classic

In 1996, Irene Panoff (The PPI Group’s COO) lost her 35-year-old sister, Linie Hilderink, to a battle with breast cancer. At that time, Irene and Bill knew they wanted to help fight this terrible disease, so in 1998 they launched a charity golf tournament and auction that was held annually for more than a decade. In total, the event raised more than $1.1 million, which was donated to beneficiaries such as Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Taylor Breast Health Center and the UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for cancer research. In addition, other portions of the proceeds over the years went toward helping the community and were distributed through the Porthole Children’s Fund.

Click here to see highlights of the Porthole Golf Classic.

Auctioneer Services

Who better to host a live charity auction than a former cruise director? Bill Panoff often lends a hand by serving as an auctioneer for numerous organizations’ charity events such as:
St. Jude’s Hospital, Miami/South Florida Camillus House, Seafarers’ House, Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Alonzo Mourning Foundation, Kids in Distress, and Jackson Memorial Foundation.

Community Collections

Whether it’s for victims of a natural disaster or for those living in local community shelters, The PPI Group headquarters often takes up collections of money, clothes, food, and other necessities to distribute to those in need.

Charitable Foundations

Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Irene Panoff and Bill Panoff are Golden Seraphim members of the Jackson Memorial Foundation; and The PPI Group is a platinum member of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. In addition, Irene Panoff is an active participant in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life.