WoodmenLife Members and Associates Pitch in at 2024 Snowball Express

The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Annual Event was established to bring together families of fallen military and First Responder heroes, encouraging them to make new memories and providing opportunities to connect with others who know what they have been through. The event supports more than 1,750 children and surviving parents/guardians.

The 2024 Annual Event took place over two five-day sessions at Walt Disney World^® in Orlando, FL, in December.

A longtime supporter of the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), WoodmenLife donated all the American flags and placards for the Remembrance Garden at the event. This solemn room is filled with flags, each one representing a fallen hero. WoodmenLife members and associates volunteered by helping keep the flags orderly and guiding family members to their loved one’s flag.

‘Love and Compassion’

Lisa Farris, the Community Outreach Advisor in Kentucky West, volunteered for the first time at Snowball Express this past year. It was an experience she said she’ll never forget.

“We worked long days, and it was very emotional at times — but it was so worth the effort to see the appreciation of the families that attended,” she said. “The Remembrance Garden, where we worked as a WoodmenLife team, was so moving.”

Farris said that Snowball Express aligns 100% with WoodmenLife’s commitment to family, community, and country.

“These families were supported with chaperoned activities and a stress-free weekend,” she said. “The children met other kids like them. They made friends. They laughed. This event single-handedly gave support to these families with love and compassion, all while remembering and honoring their loved ones.”

Among the volunteers at the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Annual Event in December were WoodmenLife Community Outreach Advisors Phil Robertson, Billie Floyd, Melissa Godfrey, Lisa Farris, Marla Baker, Kelly Smith, and Chris Beckendorff.

‘Magic in Their Eyes’

Lance Mayers, Florida Regional Director, has volunteered in the Remembrance Garden for several years with his wife and daughter. However, this was Recruiting Sales Manager Craig Hatcher’s first year; he was joined by his wife and daughter.

Among their duties were to help set up and space out the flags and plaques and to guide the families to their loved one’s flag. The volunteers also cheered for the families from the buses as they arrived at the resort.

“This is something none of us wants to miss,” Mayers said. “It was an emotional time for all of us. I enjoy standing outside Coronado Springs Resort waving an American flag and cheering families on and high-fiving the children as the families arrive at the hotel. It’s hard to keep a dry eye, for sure.

“Each year has been an emotional, inspiring event for the families — and for us — and we intend to keep on volunteering.”

Hatcher agreed.

“It’s quite the fanfare for their arrival: people blowing bubbles, flags waving, bells ringing, clapping — it’s quite the sight to see,” he said. “We talk a lot about the magic of Disney, and it is magic in their eyes when they step off of those buses to a long line of people there cheering them on.”

In the Remembrance Garden, WoodmenLife volunteers helped keep the flags orderly and guided family members to their loved one’s flag.

Mayers said recognizing the families during this event aligns well with WoodmenLife’s values.

“The Gary Sinise Foundation has a heart for our military and First Responders, and I feel that WoodmenLife is a natural fit to partner with them,” Mayers said. “WoodmenLife has a long, proud history of patriotism. When you walk into the Remembrance Garden with a family and see the more than 800 American flags flying, it will take your breath away.

“I am always proud to tell our members and others about WoodmenLife’s partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and my participation in the Snowball Express event. This partnership has sharpened my appreciation for our military, First Responders, their families, and all their sacrifices.”

Hatcher said he was happy to be able to volunteer this year and support the families of fallen heroes.

“It is heartwarming to be able to volunteer to honor those families who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” he said. “Your emotions do take over from time to time, especially as you walk through the garden and see all the names. Those represent families. Those represent sacrifice.”

Read more about WoodmenLife’s commitment to honoring our country and those who protect it at WoodmenLife.org/Patriotism.

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