Feature Image: The Gary Sinise Foundation – Snowball Express
If you haven’t heard of the Gary Sinise Foundation, it is an organization that provides resources and support to those who have lost a loved one who was serving in the United States Military. Part of the empowerment program gives the opportunity to families and children of those who have passed to experience the magic of Disney. Families board one of 11 chartered American Airlines flights, solely staffed by a volunteer crew, that stop in 22 cities around the country, allowing them to connect with others and make memories with a magical Disney experience.
The program, dubbed the “Snowball Express,” is back in 2022 after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More participants than ever before will be taking part in the experience, with more than 1,900 family members making the trip to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom. The part that always gets me about this organization is the quiet effort they make to change people’s lives. This isn’t a highly publicized event; in fact, most people seem to have never heard of it. The dedication and respect invested in this program aren’t there for a media show or the credit; it’s purely for the families that need a little love and care. For more information, visit The Gary Sinise Foundation.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
