Global Courant
The Gary Sinise Foundation is expanding its “Snowball Express” program to include the families of fallen first responders in their recovery journey.
The program has supported thousands of fallen military families throughout the year with empowerment workshops and regional community events.
Actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise speaks at the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Send-Off Celebration at LAX Airport on December 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)
The expansion includes access to year-round community events, culminating in Disney in December at Walt Disney World Resorts (WDW) in Orlando, Florida.
The Snowball Express for Families of Fallen Military Heroes takes place at Walt Disney World December 2-6. The Snowball Express for families of fallen first responders will take place between December 9 and 13.
Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise started his foundation in 2011 after volunteering with other organizations for the past decade. Over the past decade, the foundation has helped expand service efforts, providing additional fundraising and outreach to the military, veterans, and first responder communities.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Actor/Humanitarian Gary Sinise meets Gold Star families at the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Send-Off Celebration at LAX Airport on December 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)
MILITARY VETERANS CUT OFF FROM US BASES IN ONE COUNTRY, MEET THEM FROM LIFELINE HOME
The origins of Snowball Express date back to the mid-2000s, when families of fallen military heroes visited Disneyland in honor of an activity a fallen service member loved to do with his family.
Sinise eventually became involved in the organization and began performing with his band, Lt. Dan Band, at events for the families. The program officially became part of the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017, and the first annual Snowball Express Disney event was held at Walt Disney World Resort the following year.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Actor/Humanitarian Gary Sinise meets Gold Star families at the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Send-Off Celebration at LAX Airport on December 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)
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Last year saw the Foundation’s largest gathering for an event, with more than 1,850 loved ones from more than 500 cities and overseas.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues and much more.
