A Snowflake is not only a thing of intricate beauty and design, but when combined, each “SNOWFLAKE” creates a larger masterpiece, in some cases named a “SNOWBALL’.
JOY, HAPPINESS, EXPECTATION……….a new creation.!!!
After experiencing three years of continued joy in creating new memories and creating new friendships for our Snowball Express families during the Christmas Holiday Season, through Snowball Express, it was thought that, hmmmmmmmmmm, wouldn’t it make sense to provide an opportunity ALL YEAR THROUGH for our families to get together.
Snowflake events are smaller events that are held throughout the year all over the Nation. The thought is that instead of having our families wait for 11 months to attend our Annual Snowball Express event, we could offer smaller events that are already planned locally or other events that can be planned for the enjoyment our Snowball families right in their own “backyard” or within driving distance.
Some instances of “SNOWFLAKE EVENTS” that have been held within the past year :
February 16, 2008 – A Colorado Springs family are guests of the “Camouflage Kids” Camoflauge Kids and the United States Air Force Academy at a basketball game where the children get to play with the players and meet other children who’s parents are deployed.
April 25, 2008 – Seven SBE families are guests of the organizers of the EFExpo EFExpo In Phoenixin Phoenix. The largest indoor remote control radio aircraft expo in the world. The children get a personalized tour of the Arizona Cardinal indoor stadium, a private autograph session and the mothers have their hair done. Jack Burnside is the host of the event along with the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Phoenix Chapter.
May 16, 2008 – In conjunction with the GI Film Festival GI Film Festival , eight SBE families got a VIP tour of the White House, a private session with Gary Sinise and saw the premier
May 24, 2008 – Three SBE families are hosted by the Arizona Rattlers indoor soccer team and are recognized by the team.
June 4, 2008 – Eight SBE families are guests for a Kenny Chesney concert in Phoenix Arizona
July 4, 2008 – Four SBE families are guests of the Arizona Diamondbacks at their 4th of July baseball game.
August 24, 2008 – SBE families from Virginia and Maryland were provided free tickets to Six Flags over Maryland thanks to the efforts of Jim Preston.
Nov 3, 2008 – A SBE family in Phoenix got the opportunity to “Bowl with the Arizona Cardinals” football team members.
Nov 11, 2008 – Approximately 50 SBE children and parents were hosted for a basketball camp given by the Phoenix Suns basket
Dec 12 - Phoenix Suns hosts SBE families for a basketball game with free tickets
Dec 14 - Los Angeles Kings hosts local LA families with a skate-around and Christmas party for families
August 8, 2009- Four Snowball Families attended the Bay City Labadie Pig Gig. Its a National Rib Cook off competition. During the course of our day we watched the Silver Lake Ski Team brave the rough river performing jumps and pyramids. Watched the animals at the petting zoo fight over our attention. Live music filled the air and the wonderful smells of ribs over took us all! Their was food eating contest, pig races, activity tents and the Great Lakes Harley Davidson Teddy Bear Bike run ,that dropped off teddy bears to a local hospital pediatric ward, ended their run at the Pig Gig. We headed over to the command center where we were served dinner from Famous Daves. Country Singer Darryl Worley joined us for ribs! He is the most down to earth man! He was truly touched by our children. He had some wonderful words to say to our kids and about our children's loss of their fathers. After dinner we attended Darryl's concert. Our kids presented him with a "we support our troops flag".
August 19th - Hawaiian Falls WaterparkThe Texas Rangers, the Texas Ranger Baseball Foundation, Hawaiian Falls, Rangers Coach Jackie Moore and his wife JoAnn and Hawaiian Falls Executive Director: Karin Morris/ Taunee Taylor hosted 66 Snowball Express Family members The Group arrived at 10:30 and spent all day enjoying the various water sports and slides. Lunch was provided. A day of sun,fun and friendship.
August 22nd - End of the summer First Annual Operation Snowflake Picnic in Orange County sponsored by American Airlines and The Orange County Sheriffs Department together with the Orange County Fire Department and Oakley Corporation.The event was held at William Mason Regional State Park, Irvine California .25 Snowball Express Families including 38 SBE children and their significant others and an array of relatives attended. A fun filled day of Sun, Fun and friendship creating more memories for our families who enjoyed a Dunk tank, Bounce House, Pony rides, Face Painting Clowns, A Balloon Creation Artist, a Softball game, competition games including sack races, tug of war, water balloon toss, hula hoop contest and much more. The families enjoyed an all day BBQ hosted by the OCSD complete with burgers, dogs and of course what picnic is complete without watermelon..The children all received Backpacks filled with School supplies supplied by the Oakley Corporation. We overheard one of our SBE children shouting with delight as they were leaving, that , "this was the funnest picnic I have ever been to". His name is Drew and we are confident that this ,his 5th Birthday, will be one he will never forget as close to 100 folks sang Happy Birthday to him throughout the day. He is also excited that he is now eligible to go to Snowball Express in Dallas in December.
AN INVITATION!!!
We would like to invite, Corporations, Service Organizations , Sports Teams, private citizens to help expand our Snowflake Program in the coming years. If you know of an event already planned that our families could be invited to experience or if you would like to start a Snowflake event of your own please contact us at snowflake @snowballexpress.org or 972-870-5650.
Our goal is to have a Snowflake experience available for every Snowball family wherever they live in the United States, where possible.
WILL YOU HELP US HELP THESE CHILDREN WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE? On behalf of the Snowball Express Board of Directors and our Snowball Families, we thank you and God Bless!!
How does it work?