Photo credit: Shark Tank
A rare agreement between sharks was made on "Shark Tank" Sunday night -- and it was all because of the legacy of a late 9/11 firefighter named Keith Young and his inspiring three children, Kaley, Christian and Keira Young.
When the three siblings appeared in front of sharks Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Mark Higgins, they told the investors how their father had filmed an audition video for his invention, the Cup Board Pro, years ago -- but he never got the chance to pitch it, as he passed away in early 2018 due to 9/11-related cancer.
The Cup Board Pro is a cutting board with an attached receptacle for food scraps. Handy, right?
(Keith competed in a cook-off on our show in 2009, so it's no surprise to us that he'd invent such a useful kitchen tool!)
"My dad invented this when I was in high school," Kaley explains to the sharks, "and then as he was getting his first prototypes, our mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. And he put everything on hold to be by her side."
Their mother passed away in 2012, and over five years later, Keith received a delivery of 2,000 boards. At that time, Kaley continues, Keith was diagnosed with cancer and passed away months later.
"We are here today to continue his legacy and make [his] dream a reality," Kaley says.
With not a dry eye in the room, the sharks asked to talk privately before deciding to work together (which doesn't happen often!). The deal? $100,000 for 20 percent stake in the company.
And there was more.
"Any profits that we earn from our 20 percent," Mark Cuban told them, "we're going to contribute to whatever charity your dad supported for firemen that have been sick from 9/11."
Needless to say, Kaley, Christian and Keira didn't hesitate to accept the deal -- and the Cup Board Pro has since sold out.
Sending all of our love and support, Young family! We couldn't be more in awe of your bravery and strength. ❤️