Gary Sinise Foundation Puts On Annual ‘Snowball Express’ Disney Trip For Military Families
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Gary Sinise Foundation and Walt Disney World Resort recently partnered to give families of military heroes a vacation they would never forget.
The Gary Sinise Foundation’s “Snowball Express” program returned to the theme park for the first time since 2019.
Almost 2,000 children, surviving spouses, and family members of fallen military heroes were welcomed to the park, where they enjoyed a day of fun, as well as moments to bond with other families.
“I’ve had several mothers come up to me, with tears in their eyes, and say how grateful they are as moms to know that their children are with other children who experienced similar things,” Donna Palmer, the foundation’s executive director, shared.
She continued, “That feeling of comfort and connection means so much to them.”
One attendee at the event shared, “I am completely overwhelmed by how amazing it has been. You just feel the love.”
The Gary Sinise Foundation’s VP of Programs, Jim Ravella, echoed those sentiments.
“I hope [the families] will take away Gary’s desire that they will know they are not forgotten,” Ravella explained. “When they know people care enough to do something like this, then that life mattered.”
Sinise frequently puts on events like this for families of fallen servicemen and women. Movieguide® previously reported:
Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band headlined at a Nashville concert in late July, honoring 250 families of fallen service members and the most recent graduates from the actor’s Snowball Express program.
“When they can see that they’re not alone and they can see that so many people love them and care about them because we’ve got so many volunteers and people that care about the program and care about these kids that come together year after year. I mean they go back and they’re lifted up,” Sinise said.
Movieguide® previously reported on Sinise’s dedication to the families of fallen service members. In 2019, his Snowball Express program hosted over 1,000 families at Disney World.
While the pandemic has taken Disney World off the table, the FORREST GUMP star continues to find ways to help military and first responder families.
“I’ve been playing for these kids since 2007, and I’ve been playing every year since,” Sinise said. “I play for free and it’s just because I want to be part of the mission and to use the music to lift people up.”
In late July, Sinise treated families to a weekend of fun activities, culminating in his band’s performance at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, where 250 flags were displayed in honor of the fallen family members.
Sinise and his foundation continually support these children, and Dylan Simon shared the organization’s impact on his life after his father’s died while serving in Iraq.
“This organization does such a good job of making you feel that absence but also trying to bring it together, really trying to love us,” Simon said.
For those who want to support veterans and the families of fallen service members, Sinise recommends “just taking the time to pat somebody on the back and to reach out and touch them … to go where they were struggling and try to show support to them.”
He added, “If they feel like you care enough to stop by or to reach out or to ask them how they’re doing and ask them what they need, and maybe try to provide some services and support to them. That will make a huge difference.”
“We want them to know that we will not forget what they went through and we’re here for them always,” Sinise said.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
