Disney Surprises Local Nonprofit With Dream Cruise

In a heartwarming event on November 15, 2024, Disney made a surprise announcement for the local nonprofit Project MKC in Youngstown, Ohio. The organization, dedicated to supporting children and families in need, was awarded a dream cruise on the new Disney Treasure, bringing joy and excitement to the Marlowe family, who were instrumental in the nonprofit’s efforts.

Key Takeaways

Disney recognized Project MKC for its community contributions.
The Marlowe family received a surprise announcement of a Disney cruise.
The reveal was filmed for a documentary segment.

Project MKC: A Community Pillar

Founded in 2010 by a local family, Project MKC has been a beacon of hope for many families in Youngstown. The organization focuses on providing essential support, including:

Distributing diapers and other necessities.
Organizing fundraising events, such as lemonade stands run by children.
Offering assistance to families facing hardships.

The Marlowe family, who were returning from a Philanthropy Day event, had no idea that they were about to receive such a significant surprise. Shelly Marlowe expressed her disbelief, stating, "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."

The Surprise Reveal

Disney went above and beyond to create a memorable reveal for the Marlowe family. The organization transformed their living room into a tropical paradise, complete with:

Sand
Lounge chairs
An umbrella

The family was initially told they were being featured in a documentary, but the surprise announcement of the cruise took them completely off guard. Jana Coffin, a representative from Project MKC, shared her astonishment: "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."

A Dream Come True

The Disney cruise is set to begin on December 1, 2024, and the surprise reveal will be showcased on Christmas morning during the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. This event not only highlights the incredible work of Project MKC but also emphasizes the importance of community support and recognition.

As Coffin noted, "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."

This heartwarming event serves as a reminder of the impact that nonprofits can have in their communities and the joy that can come from unexpected recognition. The Marlowe family’s story is a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of helping those in need.