The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families of fallen military heroes.
On December 7, 2019, the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express (GSF SBE) service will send Charlotte family members of the fallen on an all-expenses paid 5-day retreat featuring therapeutic and inspiring programs at Disney World® in Orlando, Florida. This therapeutic retreat will offer fun and inspiring programs, encouraging critical peer-to-peer support for these families.
No matter where these families may be in their grieving process, Snowball Express aims to provide a memorable experience where they can access support, create new bonds, make positive memories, and build a community with the only people who can truly understand their loss: each other.
Snowball Express began in 2006, with a letter written by a fallen Soldier to his wife, only to be opened should he perish in battle. While the letter expressed many things, one wish was that they visit Disneyland. From that letter, Snowball Express was created to bring together the children and surviving spouses of fallen U.S. military heroes for a healing retreat.
Thanks to the official airline partner American Airlines, the Gary Sinise Foundation will unite these families in a way that honors that initial letter from the fallen Soldier – at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida. In addition, families will have direct access to complimentary resources such as counseling services, application support for educational scholarships, education and access to medical and government benefits, financial counseling and assistance, mentoring, and aid for those with special needs or disabilities. GSF SBE will offer a variety of activities and entertainment, including a concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
This trip is made possible by the Foundation’s generous donors, its official airlines partner American Airlines, and its corporate partners: Owens Corning, ATD, Aerotek, WoodmenLife, and Highland Capital Management.