Disney Offers Up Support of the Gary Sinise Foundation and Families of Fallen Heroes

Disney Offers Up Support of the Gary Sinise Foundation

In collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Walt Disney World Resort was once again honored to welcome families of fallen military service members for the annual “Snowball Express” healing retreat. This five-day event brings together hundreds of military families to bond with others who share similar experiences, finding comfort and connection during their journey of healing.

Related-Gary Sinise’s Snowball Express Returns to Walt Disney World

A Century of Support: Disney’s Enduring Commitment

Disney’s unwavering support for active-duty military, veterans, and their families spans over a century. This tradition began with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both contributed to war efforts during World War I—a legacy of respect and gratitude that continues today.

At Disney, we understand that military service is a family commitment. Through impactful programs like Snowball Express, we take immense pride in creating magical holiday memories for those who have lost loved ones in service to our nation.

Related-Gary Sinise Foundation Brings the Snowball Express to Disney World Again for 2024

The Origin of Hope: A Fallen Hero’s Disney Wish

The Snowball Express was inspired by a simple, heartfelt wish. In 2003, U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife and children before deploying to Iraq, sharing his wish that they visit Disneyland, knowing he would be with them in spirit.

After Jesse made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom, his wish became a symbol of hope. In 2006, his family joined other Gold Star families for a special visit to Disneyland Resort, marking the official start of the Snowball Express.

A year later, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise learned of the mission and joined the cause, performing for the families with his Lt. Dan Band. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation officially adopted Snowball Express, ensuring Jesse’s dream lived on. The annual tradition expanded to Walt Disney World Resort in 2018, where hundreds of families now gather each December for an experience filled with hope, healing, and Disney magic.

VoluntEARS Show Support During the Walk of Gratitude

During a special sunrise event known as the “Walk of Gratitude” on December 9, hundreds of Disney VoluntEARS gathered in Magic Kingdom to welcome and cheer on more than 1,600 children, surviving spouses, and families.

The families embarked on a solemn and heartwarming journey down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle. This heartfelt gathering offers moments of remembrance, connection, and joy.

• A Touching Moment: The families send personalized letters up to heaven for their fallen heroes to read during a special Disney magic moment near the Castle, often joined by Gary Sinise and Mickey Mouse.
• Veteran Support: Nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, including many who are military veterans themselves, gathered before dawn to cheer on the families, offering a powerful display of respect for their sacrifice.

“While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought these families together, I am grateful we can wrap our arms around them, that we can honor them while remembering their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” said Gary Sinise.

Disney’s Avalanche of Kindness

Since the retreat began at Walt Disney World in 2018, more than 23,000 children of fallen military and first responder heroes and their surviving parents and guardians have participated in Snowball Express.

The Gary Sinise Foundation has also expanded this annual program to include a second Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World for families of fallen first responders, recognizing the sacrifice of those heroes as well.

“We thank the Gary Sinise Foundation for all the work they do to support military families who have given so much. We’re honored to help them make happy new memories during their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences.