President Jane Hardacre has chosen the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Florida Chapter as her charity of choice for the 2022-2023 Membership Year.
Launched in August 2020, the Gary Sinise Foundation Florida Chapter was the first of many chapters that will extend the philanthropy of our Founder and Chairman, Gary Sinise, and the footprint of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Florida is home to the third-largest veteran population in the country, with more than 1.5 million retired service members. In Florida, its counties include nearly 1 million veterans.
The Florida Chapter, like those to come in other regions across the country, complements the efforts of the Gary Sinise Foundation, catalyzing a greater impact in the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families.
Honoring those we lost & left behind
No matter where these families are in the grieving process, we hope to inspire them to believe that anything is possible. By providing fun experiences and beneficial resources in an emotionally safe and inclusive environment, we’re creating a community to learn, grow, and make lasting memories with new friends.
Healing & celebration
The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families. Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian. With special time to honor their fallen and a blend of fun entertainment and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support. Which is why we keep bringing Snowball Express back to Walt Disney World® Resort each year!
Empowerment Workshops
Another way we’re supporting families year-round is through weekend Empowerment Workshops. For three days, surviving spouses and young adults come together to look more closely at their lives after loss and dream again. There is work on, in and for themselves including challenge activities that help participants tap into their resiliency and empowers them to return home on a clearer path within their control.