A Surprise Squad success: Family takes off on all-inclusive trip to Walt Disney World after mother’s tragic death
Monday, First Alert 4 crews were at Lambert International Airport as the family of Marquisha Williams took off to Orlando.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Last week, Surprise Squad shared the heartwarming story of a St. Louis-area family being gifted the trip of a lifetime: a week-long, all-inclusive trip to Walt Disney World.
Monday, First Alert 4 crews were at Lambert International Airport as the family of Marquisha Williams took off to Orlando to make some new, magical memories ahead of the anniversary of their mother’s death.
“Much-needed,” Williams' stepfather Terrence Chavis told First Alert 4 Monday. “This is a big gift, a big gift for [the kids] to just let go and have fun.”
First Alert 4 covered the story of Marquisha Williams last year, and our hearts broke for the family.
She went missing over Christmas, and the police found her body on Dec. 28. She tragically died at the hands of her boyfriend, the father of her children.
A year later, the Surprise Squad received a nomination from a family friend. We learned Marquisha’s parents, who adopted the four children, were trying to raise some money to take the children to Disney World over the anniversary of their mother’s death.
When we saw the nomination, we knew Surprise Squad had to step in and help this family. It’s amazing when you start asking people for help. Southwest Airlines generously donated six tickets for the family to fly to Orlando, and Wish Upon a Star With Us Travel helped to book six tickets to Disney World with accommodations at the park all with meals included. Then, Scott Credit Union donated and extra $3,000 in cash for spending money.
Duke’s, the establishment the surprise happened in, also wanted to help. So, they quickly raised $1,000 for even more spending money.
The friend who nominated the family, Amy Scheibler, told us her family, The Atkinsons, would buy the family all the Christmas presents they needed, and they would be wrapped and put under the tree for when they returned from the trip.
The best part of the surprise, actually, surprised us all. Friends and family poured into Duke’s and the room was electric with love and . The surprise is a must watch just to witness the love the St. Louis community poured on these four children. Four children who are forever changed.
Surprise Squad hopes we brought them some small joy during this hard time.
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