Snowball Express to Hold 9th Annual Four Day National Gathering for Gold Star Children

DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Snowball Express, which provides service and support to children of the nation's fallen military heroes, will hold its 9^th annual weekend bringing together children of our fallen military heroes.

The event, which started in 2006 and has been held in Dallas/Ft. Worth for the last six years, brings children together from all over the world for a five-day life changing experience in December providing a fun, nurturing environment for each and every child. Snowball Express' yearly event gives children of all ages an opportunity to connect with others and share their feelings about losing something so precious: their parent. This year nearly 1,800 people will attend with 300 new families attending for the first time.

"We are honored and excited to kick off our 9^th Annual Weekend with our nation's Gold Star Children," said Francis Kern, Executive Director of Snowball Express. "The mission of Snowball Express has been a simple, yet profoundly important one: Provide hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11."

Children's activities will include opportunities to interact and learn at the Perot Museum, explore the animal exhibits of the Fort Worth Zoo and experience the rich heritage and historic western traditions at a real Texas Ranch. Families will also enjoy a wide array of shows and performances specially-designed for the weekend including a music and talent program that provides the children an opportunity to learn from professional musicians, voice coaches, and entertainers, and then perform in their own talent show. The event is capped off by a Walk of Gratitude down Main Street in Fort Worth, TX. The public is invited and encouraged to come out in support of the families as they walk together in memory of their fallen military heroes.

Earlier this year, Highland Capital Management awarded the organization an unprecedented $1 million challenge grant. Donations made to the organization up to $1 million were matched for a two month period leading up to Memorial Day. With every donor gift having double the impact, $1.7 million was ultimately raised. These funds, together with the help of its presenting sponsor, American Airlines, and numerous other sponsors and volunteers, continue to make the annual weekend possible.

"We are extremely appreciative of everything Highland Capital Management has done for us," Mr. Kern said.  "The money raised by the Challenge Grant will directly allow us to expand our mission and reach even more gold star children. In fact, this year we're able to bring almost 200 more attendees than we were able to last year. The generosity we've seen from companies like Highland Capital, American Airlines and our other supporting partners is what makes this all possible."  

"We all have a responsibility to support our military and their families," said James Dondero, Co-Founder and President of Highland. "At Highland Capital Management, we've made it a priority to help military personnel transition into civilian life with the honor they deserve. We are proud to add Snowball Express to our stable of charities, and hope events like this inspire others to 'pay it forward' as well."

Gifts can be provided through www.snowballexpress.org/support/donate/ [or by texting "snowball" to 41444]. For more information, please visit our website, www.snowballexpress.org.

About Snowball Express

Snowball Express is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves the children of America's fallen military service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11. We honor America's fallen military service members who have died since 9/11 by humbly serving the families they left behind. We champion their children's future success by creating opportunities for joy, friendship, education, and communal healing, by connecting these families to one another, as well as others inspired to support their cause. Since 2006, the mission of Snowball Express has been a simple, yet profoundly important one: Provide hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes.

About Highland Capital Management

Highland Capital Management, L.P. is an SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with our affiliates, has approximately $19 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, long only funds and separate accounts, distressed and special situation private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Highland also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets, long/short equities, and natural resources. Highland's diversified client base includes public pension plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial institutions, fund of funds, governments, and high net-worth individuals. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and maintains offices in New York, Sao Paolo, Singapore, and Seoul.

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SOURCE Snowball Express

Related Links

http://www.snowballexpress.org