We are honored to have the following individuals support the mission of the Snowball Express, honoring and assisting the families of Fallen Heroes, by volunteering to serve on our Corporate Advisory Board. We wish to thank each of these individuals publicly and praise their support in the past for all of their efforts in helping the children and spouses of military members killed since September 11, 2001. Without these supporters, last year's event and this year's activities under the umbrellas of Snowball Express could not occur.
Tom Davin, CEO, Panda Restaurant Group
"Last December, our Panda Express associates joined hundreds of other volunteers to host nearly 1,200 Snowball Express children and spouses at the Oakley Headquarters. Was it amazing? Absolutely! We saw children experiencing a day of fun, making new friends, meeting professional athletes and generally just being kids. It was a day I'll never forget. At Panda Express we are honored to represent our 17,000 associates in saying "thanks" to these Fallen Hero families and we're excited to be participating again in this year's event. I urge other corporations to participate and experience the impact you'll have on these families and your company's culture. We feel this is the best way to say "we will never forget."
Greg Ziegler, Chief Operating Officer, Quiksilver
Greg Ziegler has worked and lived in Southern California for the past 30 years. He has been employed by Quiksilver since 1988 and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer for Quiksilver Americas which is headquartered in Huntington Beach, California. Greg grew up in the Midwestbefore enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973. He spent his active duty stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. The Snowball Express mission is one that he is very passionate about.
"What a great event and a great opportunity for us to recognize and thank these families for the tremendous sacrifice they have made so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we all experience in our everyday lives. Quiksilver is so proud to be able to help these kids and the spouses of our fallen heroes. This is the second year now that Quiksilver has participated in the Snowball Event. Our Quiksilver volunteers have handed out more than 3,000 Quiksilver and Roxy backpacks to the children and family members attending this event. From the moment you drive into the Foothill Ranch area you know that this is going to be a special day. The Southern California community has stood tall waving flags, holding banners, and showing their love and support for these families. I am thankful to all of the volunteers and to all of the sponsors who make this wonderful event possible."
- Greg Ziegler – Chief Operating Officer, Quiksilver Americas
E.V. Di Massa, Jr., President, VISTA Entertainment
Snowball Express is honored to have Ernni Di Massa, Jr. join our Advisory Board team to provide guidance and energy to this year's project.
'Erni' brings over three decades of experience as an EMMY® winning producer, writer and television executive to the organization. As Senior Vice President of the most successful independent syndication company in the history of television, KingWolrd he was in charge of all programming and development for shows from Oprah to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! as well as several shows he helped create including Inside Edition. He also produced, The Mike Douglas Show, The Regis Philbin Show, Hollywood Squares and shows for NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox. He is an active member of the Writer Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has been named to Who's Who In America every year since 2000.
"Snowball Express brings a story to light that needs to be told. The surviving children and spouses of our fallen heroes deserve the chance to connect with and be thanked by their 'American Family'. Snowball Express is doing its part to give the gift of new memories and new hope to those that have given so much. I'm honored to work with an organization that is doing its part to say thank you to these brave families. I encourage you to find your place on the Snowball Express team and volunteer your efforts to this worthy cause."
- Erni Di Massa, Jr. - President, VISTA Entertainment
Al Krueger, Director - Government Affairs, Oakley
Al Krueger has graciously offered to serve on the Advisory Board. Last year, Al was the key Snowball Express contact for Oakley Corporation and he currently serves as Director - Government Affairs. Al actively gives back to his community in many other non-profit organizations. Currently the President of the Foothill Business Association, he has served on many other community and charitable foundations boards. Al is an avid skydiver and was awarded in 2003 with the United States Parachuting Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. He inspires others with his incredible powers to overcome adversity. A Vietnam veteran, Al believes strongly in the Snowball Express and its mission.
"I am very proud to be a part of the Snowball Express and to participate in honoring the Snowball Express Families for their sacrifice. The 2006 events filled my heart and I was proud to be a part of this 'thank you' from the heart of a grateful nation. I look forward to working with the volunteers and supporters of the 2007 event and know that we will all walk away with hearts that are full and memories that will last a lifetime."
- Al Krueger, Director - Government Affairs, Oakley
General Peter Pace,USMC(Ret)
16th Chairman,Joint Chiefs of Staff
"These children have already sacrificed more for our country than most of us do in a lifetime. They deserve all the support we can provide. It is an honor for me to be a small part of that support via Snowball Express"