Honoring Heroes and Creating Memories: The Evolution of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s City Adventures

For more than a decade, the Gary Sinise Foundation has been committed to serving and uplifting the families of our nation’s fallen military and first responder heroes. Of our varied and life-changing programming, City Adventures stands out as a unique event dedicated to offering a reprieve. Each Adventure is an opportunity for surviving spouses and family members to step away from the weight of their daily lives and participate in unforgettable experiences, all while surrounded by a community that understands their journey. At every turn, City Adventures foster connection, joy, and healing for our families of fallen while honoring the memory of their loved ones.

A Journey That Began in Hollywood

Originally called Hollywood Adventure, the first event took place in 2013 as a collaboration with other nonprofits. The idea was simple: provide the surviving spouses of fallen military heroes with a trip they did not have to plan themselves. With GSF handling all the arrangements, participants could sit back, relax and enjoy. From special VIP tours to celebrity meet-and-greets and exclusive entertainment events, the program aimed to bring both excitement and rejuvenation to surviving military spouses who had endured an unimaginable loss.

Hollywood Adventure persisted for over a decade, but its potential was far greater. In 2022, following the Foundation’s move to Nashville, Tenn., the program underwent a transformation, expanding in both reach and impact.

A New Home, A New Vision

After the Foundation relocated to “Music City,” the team took a step back to reevaluate the future of the program. With the wealth of cultural, historical, and entertainment opportunities in their new home, hosting the event in Nashville was an obvious choice, but what else? Inspired by Gary and his vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to “do a little more” to serve our families of fallen heroes. And so, City Adventures was born. With this evolution, what began in Hollywood has expanded to Nashville, New York and beyond; offering four to six immersive trips each year in different metropolitan areas across the country for the surviving spouses of our military and first responder heroes.

While each Adventure is unique, they share one common goal: bring together families who share a common bond and allow them to create new memories while honoring their heroes who served.

A Growing Legacy

The recent expansions of City Adventures reflect the Gary Sinise Foundation’s ongoing commitment to adapting and growing in response to the needs of those it serves. In addition to traditional trips for the spouses of our fallen defenders, the program has now expanded to include Young Adults, designed specifically for Snowball Express Children who have graduated from high school. These tailored experiences allow young adults who grew up in the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express program to continue forging lifelong connections and finding strength in community.

Whether it’s visiting the Wall of Remembrance in New York, or designing a cowboy hat in Nashville, every City Adventure is specially designed to create moments of joy and foster connection and remembrance. Each detail, from accommodations to activities, is carefully planned as a surprise, allowing participants to focus solely on the experience, free from the burden of logistics.

The Impact So Far

To date, the City Adventure program has taken hundreds of families of fallen on these incredible trips, helping individuals to find moments of joy and healing in the midst of their grief. Whether through laughter over a surprise dinner event, quiet reflection at a historical landmark, or bonds formed through shared loss, each trip reinforces the mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation: to serve and honor the heroes and families who sacrifice for our nation.

Looking Ahead

As the program continues to grow, the Gary Sinise Foundation remains committed to ensuring that each adventure is a meaningful experience filled with surprises, celebration, and gratitude. While no two trips are the same, every City Adventure serves the same purpose, to provide a sense of community, a chance to create new memories, and a reminder that no one walks this journey alone.

To donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation and support our families of fallen heroes, click here.