Gary Sinise Foundation Celebrates 7th Anniversary And Establishes The 'Doing More' Award

Travis Mills, Bonnie Carroll & Dr. Frank Luntz Were Presented As Its First Recipients

News provided by

Jul 02, 2018, 14:08 ET

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., July 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gary Sinise Foundation ushered in its 7^th year anniversary during its annual fundraising dinner. Funds raised go towards supporting America's heroes, their loved ones, and the families left behind. This year the Foundation introduced their inaugural 'Doing More' Award. The 'Doing More' Award was established by Sinise and his wife Moira as a way to honor those who understand the true meaning of service above self and continue to go above and beyond for those in need. This year's award recipients include US Army SSGG Travis Mills, Bonnie Carroll, and Dr. Frank Luntz. In addition, Sinise presented checks to Mills and Carroll to support their own endeavors.

"From the beginning of this work I've been involved in for so many years, I've met incredible people. Individuals who have sacrificed themselves, who have given so much, and then turned that sacrifice into service for others," said Sinise while addressing the event's attendees. "This year my wife and I decided we wanted to honor a few friends who have certainly given a lot and who have inspired others by doing more each day to give something back."

Mills is a Gary Sinise Foundation Ambassador and one of the Foundation's R.I.S.E. specially adapted smart home recipients. He was severely injured while serving his country and now is one of five living quadruple amputees post 9/11. He's gone on to create the SSG Travis Mills Foundation which supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Bonnie Carroll served in the military and retired as a Major in the Air Force Reserves. She founded the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) in 1994 following the death of her husband, a soldier who was killed in an Army plane crash. TAPS is one of the leading military support organizations providing care for those mourning the death of a fallen military family member. The Gary Sinise Foundation collaborates with TAPS through the Gary Sinise Foundation's Relief & Resiliency Initiative.

The evening of the event, Sinise announced Dr. Frank Luntz as a surprise third recipient of the 'Doing More' award. Luntz is best known as an American political consultant, pollster, and 'public opinion guru'. He is also founder of Luntz Global a Communication Strategist firm. Among many philanthropic endeavors, Luntz has hosted the Gary Sinise Foundation's fundraising event for the past seven years at his home and supports their mission and efforts passionately. In 2017, Luntz hosted fundraising events at his home that resulted in raising over five million dollars for different non-profits.

Founded in 2011 by actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise, the Foundation continues to grow year after year with its mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. Most recently the Gary Sinise Foundation added Snowball Express as an official program. Focusing on the children of our fallen military heroes, in addition to community driven events that take place throughout the year, the program hosts an annual four-day experience full of activities to provide emotional healing by fostering a community of strong friendships and keep spirits high. With the help of the Gary Sinise Foundation's official airline partner, American Airlines, they will bring together nearly 2,000 Gold Star family members from all around the world, and this year it will take place at Disney World. This annual event serves as a reminder that our country will never forget the sacrifices of our fallen and the thousands of military families left behind.

About the Gary Sinise Foundation:

The Gary Sinise Foundation honors America's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. Through its R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), specially adapted smart homes are being constructed for severely wounded heroes nationwide. Other programs include Relief & Resiliency, Invincible Spirit Festivals, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, Arts & Entertainment Outreach, Serving Heroes, First Responders Outreach, Soaring Valor, and Snowball Express. For more information, please visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.