Snowball Express Marks 20th Year at Disney World With Nationwide Charters for Gold Star Families
American Airlines covers travel at no cost for a five-day Gary Sinise Foundation retreat focused on remembrance and healing.
Overview
- The 20th annual program began December 7 at Walt Disney World, with grief-processing workshops and family activities underway this week.
- American Airlines donated 16 charter aircraft and millions of AAdvantage miles, making the trip for participating families all-expenses-paid.
- Ten charter flights departed from 21 U.S. locations last weekend, and six more next week are scheduled to carry about 1,000 additional relatives.
- Organizers report families traveling from 29 cities around the world, with more than 1,600 already arriving this week.
- Gary Sinise greeted departing families at Nashville International Airport, and activities included a yo-yo session led by two-time world champion Gentry Stein.