Snowball Express began in 2006 as a program for the children of fallen military service members.
Its purpose was not simply to provide a vacation. Organizers wanted bereaved children to meet others who understood the loss of a military parent.
A child grieving such a death may feel isolated from classmates whose family experiences are different. At Snowball Express, that child enters a community in which difficult emotions do not require lengthy explanation.
The program later became part of the Gary Sinise Foundation. The foundation says it assumed responsibility for Snowball Express in December 2017.
Its services now include year-round activities as well as an annual gathering.
What Happened in 2018?
The 2018 Snowball Express event generated many of the viral claims still circulating today.
Families traveled from locations across the United States to Orlando, Florida. American Airlines and a large network of volunteers assisted with transportation.
Contemporary reports said approximately 1,750 people participated. The group included more than 1,000 children and their surviving parents or caregivers.
Fifteen aircraft reportedly helped transport participants for a five-night experience.
The destination was Walt Disney World Resort.
Therefore, saying Sinise took “1,750 children” or “nearly 2,000 kids” misidentifies the total attendance figure. Not every participant was a child.
Disneyland and Disney World Are Not the Same Place
The graphic says Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort is in Anaheim, California.