This story was sent to us from the new First Book Advisory Board in Manatee County, Florida. After only being an official Advisory Board for a few days, they learned the Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show was coming through town and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Deb M., Advisory Board chair, tells her story:

First Book-Manatee County has officially launched. So much has happened in the last 10 days, we don’t even know where to start.

The Disney Live visit is the most exciting. We received an email from First Book that Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show was coming to the Van Wezel Auditorium on July 18th & 19th. Of course, we were all prepared to sell tickets, usher or sell programs.

To our amazement, the Disney Live! folks wanted to put on a mini show for one of our recipient groups while the show was in town. Was it possible to get 20-25 children together, have Mickey and Goofy along with a story teller and magician to one of the local low income facilities?

Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida volunteered with open doors to have 30 children 4-5 years of age available. At 8:00 am we met to scope out the classrooms and decorate before the show. First Book provided new books for each child, understanding that these children would not be able to afford the ticket price to attend the real show and do not have books at home to read.

At 10:00 am, a storyteller read to the kids, then Brad the magician put on a real magic show before introducing Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Each and every child was photographed with Mickey and Goofy which the children will receive next week. We presented each of the children with 2 new books and a Disney colorable book mark. They couldn’t believe the books were theirs to take home!

Moral of the story: These 30 children just met Mickey Mouse right here in Bradenton and took home their very own books.