YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – In 2010, a local family formed Project MKC, a local non-profit with the mission to help all children and their families who may need a helping hand.
Most of the work of Project MKC is behind the scenes. Friday, the organization was recognized by Disney with a big surprise. They are going on the new Disney Treasure. Disney Cruise Line sent cameras to tape the surprise.
“This is a dream trip for me. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, and I never thought that it would be a Disney cruise, but I really, really wanted it to be a Disney cruise,” said Harper Marlowe.
Disney recognizes all that Project MKC has done in the community, things like handing out diapers, and the grandchildren running a lemonade stand that raised thousands of dollars.
The Marlowe family was returning home after getting recognized at Philanthropy Day but had no idea there was more.
“We came back today after their philanthropy award and found out what? That we were going on a Disney cruise? What do you think? Amazing, absolutely speechless,” Shelly Marlowe said.
Disney even brought in sand, lounge chairs, and an umbrella to dress up the announcement in the family’s living room. The family was only told that its story was being featured.
“It’s just amazing. We had no idea that this was happening. We just knew we were very lucky to be chosen to be part of a documentary. We had no idea that Disney was involved and that we’d be going on a cruise,” said Jana Coffin with Project MKC.
They were even good actors as they had to reenact the announcement a couple of times for the cameras. The hard work, long hours, and constant thoughts of ways to make an impact were recognized by someone else, who wanted the rest of the world to see.
“We always say at Project MKC, we kind of work behind the scenes. We supplement a lot of things for agencies, so we never are really looking for the spotlight. So when it comes and finds you, it’s pretty special,” Coffin said.
The cruise starts Dec.1. You’ll see the surprise reveal at 10 a.m. Christmas morning on our sister station 33 WYTV during the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
