The Patriot Guard Riders are proud to support the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express Program, an organization that brings children together from all over the world for a five-day experience filled with fun activities, like sporting events, dances, amusement parks and more. This year there will be approximately 1100 Gold Star Children coming to Disney in December 2019.
For more than a decade, Gary proudly supported Snowball Express, an organization dedicated to serving the children of our fallen military heroes, surviving spouses and guardians – our nation’s Gold Star families. It began in 2006, with Gary joining up and donating the Lt. Dan Band for a concert at the 2nd annual event in 2007. Gary was deeply moved and immediately fell in love with the children and families.
In the years that followed, the band would return to perform for new and familiar faces, and Gary’s commitment to the program deepened. “I want them to know that what they’ve sacrificed has not gone unnoticed or forgotten.” He wanted to ensure the annual celebration was as impactful and meaningful as possible. In 2017, Snowball Express became an official program of the Gary Sinise Foundation, with American Airlines continuing as presenting sponsor. Through Gary’s longstanding relationship with the Walt Disney Company, he was able to expand the program by gaining Disney’s support in relocating the annual five-day experience to WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Florida. Beyond the fun and memories, Snowball Express helps families of the fallen heal, learn, and build lasting relationships. “That’s our primary goal,” Gary explained, “for our Gold Star families to feel remembered and for them to see that they are not alone. It’s something I feel is incredibly important for our nation, letting the children know that we do not forget their sacrifices and we honor them. And it’s such a great feeling to see them healing, smiling, and having fun.”
