Gary Sinise Foundation Impact Stories
The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of a forty-year advocate for our nation's defenders, actor Gary Sinise. Each of the Foundation's programs originated from Gary's personal relationships with our nation's service community and a wide range of nonprofits he had supported for decades. Ever aware of the gaps of care these deserving heroes often encounter, he was inspired to serve them – always giving a little more. With the creation of the Gary Sinise Foundation, his crusade now supports all those who sacrifice on our behalf: active duty, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. Each program shows appreciation for America's heroes through entertainment, family support, and acts of gratitude.
Here are just a few examples of some of the amazing work and positivity provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Gary Sinise Foundation Helps Gold Star Family Struggling with Bill Payments and Job Loss
In September this year, there was no more debating the merits of her family’s needs. More than a month of income was lost between her and her husband. Government assistance wasn’t going to cut it. For Gale Renteria, a Gold Star mother with two teenagers, juggling car and rent payments and household expenses, she unwittingly fell behind on the monthly loan payments. She asked herself, “How am I going to make this work?”
Music Lessons Catalyze a New Melody for Children of Deceased Service Members
By Zoom and by Skype, children, and teenagers in Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express have been honing their musical chops this summer with help from professionally-trained musicians, including several members from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Read more about the six-week-long music program, and get to know some of the participants, by clicking on the link above.
Rescuing a First Responder in Need
The rigors of life as a paramedic in New Jersey took a toll on Josh Fish. Alcohol became his saving grace to quell the pain and mental anguish he felt after years of responding to scenes of carnage and loss of life. Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression dogged him. These invisible wounds which are endemic in the first responder community are likewise contributors to a surge in suicide within the profession. When he quit his job earlier this year to seek treatment and rehabilitation, Josh saw his life steadily improve, but it didn't last long. Bills began to pile up to the point where he was struggling to put food on the table. In dire financial need and unemployed, find out how the Gary Sinise Foundation stepped in to rescue a first responder in need.
Feeding Healthcare Workers and Serving Veterans with a Taste of France
When the Gary Sinise Foundation phoned La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro to ask if they would be interested in preparing 250 meals for the nursing staff at the Columbus VA in Ohio, the answer was a resounding, "yes." The family behind La Chatelaine immigrated from Belgium to the U.S. in 1985 to pursue the American Dream. For the last 25 years on the anniversary of D-Day, they hold a dinner to commemorate the sacrifices and heroism of American service members in World War II to which they unabashedly owe to their achieving the dream.
So many of these impactful stories and events happened because of they advocacy and support of our donors. Consider making a contribution to ensure that the Gary Sinise Foundation continues to execute its mission of serving and honoring our nation's heroes and their families.