Our 7th Anniversary
June 30th, 2018
Our 7th Anniversary Online auction is now closed. Thank you for participating!
With your support, we’ve expanded our efforts! Your committed belief in our mission has helped us establish brand new programs and reach incredible new milestones.
In December 2017, we took on our newest program, Snowball Express, which serves the children and surviving spouses of our fallen military heroes. We’re hosting community-driven events for these families all year long to help them form new memories and deepen friendships right in their hometowns. And since the holidays can be an especially challenging time, this December we’ll bring nearly 2,000 Gold Star families together from around the nation for our first ever Snowball Express at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort! This four-day experience will provide an opportunity for healing and celebration. Our resource rooms will offer a variety of services, information, and comprehensive support programs to serve our families. Snowball Express is lifting spirits and reminding our Gold Star families that they will never be forgotten and their loved one’s sacrifices will always be remembered.
Last year, Moira & Gary Sinise provided the funding for us to open our Center for Education & Outreach. The space hosts workshops, meetings, and orientations with character building exercises for our injured heroes, first responders, and their families and/or caregivers. A small fraction of our population volunteers to protect our entire nation and this center provides a place to bring civilians and defenders together. Visitors can also explore the featured exhibit Gary Sinise: A Call to Action, which offers a retrospective look at Gary’s crusade to serve America’s heroes. The collection of memorabilia from his travels, philanthropy, and career details how he discovered his true calling and hopefully inspires others to always do a little more.
We are thrilled to announce that Serving Heroes is now at 23 locations all over the world! This is our fastest growing program and one that is near & dear to Gary’s heart.
Beginning with Gary’s early involvement in 2010 through the Foundation’s work to-date, by the end of this August we will have completed 50 specially adapted smart homes for America’s severely injured heroes. 16 more homes are underway through R.I.S.E. with new heroes being welcomed into the program each year.
Your support is the reason we’ve been able to grow.
We are excited to celebrate this milestone with such dedicated and generous supporters. As always, on behalf of so many grateful heroes and their loved ones, thank you and God bless.