Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Relief & Resiliency Outreach program put together a multi-day Hollywood Adventure Oct. 12-14 to pay tribute to surviving spouses of fallen service members.
Working with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), the Gary Sinise Foundation brought 23 spouses to Hollywood for three fun filled days thanks to the help of American Airlines.
“As we go about our daily lives it can be easy to take for granted the men and women serving this great country who make the ultimate sacrifice, many leaving behind a spouse who must pick up the pieces and forge ahead,” said Sinise. “TAPS has been there for them for many years and it has been a great honor for all of us at the Gary Sinise Foundation to sponsor this fun Hollywood Adventure! experience in light of their loss. It’s a small token of appreciation and I truly hope it helps them on their road to healing.”
“The TAPS family is so very grateful for all of the support of Gary Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder and 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. “The Hollywood Adventure planned by the Foundation provided military widows with an opportunity to create new memories, have extraordinary experiences and bond with others who share the tragic loss of a fallen hero. We take comfort in knowing our loved ones are not forgotten, and are honored to have the support of the Gary Sinise Foundation.”
The Foundation, along with the assistance of TAPS, rolled out the red carpet for the spouses, who arrived Wednesday afternoon at the Universal Hilton. They were treated to three days of fun and surprises, including a day at Universal Studios Theme Park, and meals at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Hard Rock Hollywood. The spouses attended tapings of television shows The Talk and Jimmy Kimmel Live, visited the historic Hollywood Sign and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and were treated to hair blowouts at The Canyon Salon. On their final day, they visited the offices of Gary Sinise Foundation where they got to enjoy lunch with Gary Sinise. The trip culminated with a set visit to his CBS series Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and the surviving spouses were surprised with a special concert performed by Gary Sinise & The Lt Dan Band.
The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Relief & Resiliency Outreach program was established to provide complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury or loss in times of urgent need. We’re also helping to heal their emotional wounds by hosting exciting event and group activities for those enduring similar struggles. By building a community of strong friendships and forming joyful, lasting memories, they can find new hopes for the future together. Lending a helping hand during difficult times can become the pivotal moment that changes a life’s direction.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit www.garysinisefoundation.org. For more information on TAPS go to www.taps.org
