Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these dates chosen?
Without the generosity of hotels in Orange County, Snowball Express could not occur, so the first criterion for scheduling is when donated hotel rooms are most available to us.

Every hotel room for the last two years has been donated-nearly $500,000 dollars worth-an unprecedented sum in the hotel industry. Therefore, we must work with the hotels when they have the lowest occupancy rates. Trying to move the dates would result in fewer families being able to attend at no expense, or having to increase our fundraising by another $500,000 - $750,000. We hope to have 2000 attendees this year, so the importance of having donated rooms versus paying for them has a huge financial consequence.

I’d like to have other family members attend with us. Will Snowball Express pay for them?
If “other family members” means a new spouse because you have remarried, he or she is welcome to attend, along with any accompanying children of the new spouse.

However, several caveats need to be made so there is no confusion upon your arrival. Snowball Express is designed to honor the children of fallen heroes, which may include the giving of gifts or receiving of certain items during or after the event.

In cases where children other than those of the fallen hero are permitted to attend, those children are not eligible to receive additional benefits, such as gifts.

If this presents a problem to any attendees, consideration should be given at finding alternative solutions as to not embarrass the child or create a conflict of interest. It is not the desire of Snowball Express to create a problem but attendees should be aware of who is eligible to receive gifts and who is not.

To reiterate, in cases of families who have children not listed on the DD1300 of the fallen hero, or where the spouse has remarried, those children, step-children and new spouses are invited to attend. In both cases, however, funding for travel will be assumed at the families’ own expense. If sufficient funds are provided to Snowball Express, those additional family members will be brought out at the expense of Snowball Express, however, there is no guarantee. The priority, in terms of funds expended per our by-laws, are specifically the children and spouses of fallen heroes.

In certain cases, we have been asked to allow an additional family member or friend to accompany a family.

While we would like to accommodate every request, to do so would change the complexion of the event and the people we serve. Snowball Express is not designed to be a family vacation for multiple family members, but, rather, an opportunity for your child or children to be with other children they may or may not know, and share a few days of bonding with others just like themselves. Any requests for additional attendees must be made in writing to Snowball Express. Please include any pertinent information to your request (special needs of the children, the number of children in the family, etc.)

What is not a reason for having additional family members or friends attend is “we were allowed last year or the previous year.” Each situation will be evaluated and consideration will be made based upon many factors. Write to the Foundation at info@snowballexpress.org with your specific request as early as possible.

Please note: all attendees may request assistance from a Snowball Express volunteer who will be with them for the entire weekend.

Can we arrive earlier or depart later than the announced days?
Families who wish to arrive earlier must arrange their own flight arrangements at the time of reservations. Changes after the confirmed reservations are made are not possible. Families wishing to depart later must notify Snowball Express at the time flight reservations are made.

Snowball Express can make no guarantees that any return flights, other than those scheduled, will be able to be made due to the proximity of the Christmas holidays and the fullness of flight schedules. Also, families who depart or arrive earlier than the announced dates will have to arrange their own ground transportation and hotel accommodations for those additional days. Snowball Express can not be held liable for providing families additional support outside of the announced dates unless an early or late departure is caused by circumstances outside of the family’s control. In such cases, Snowball Express volunteers will continue to assist the families until they depart the local area.

How are families transported to the event?
Families who can drive are encouraged to do so to enable the Foundation to afford to bring more families. The Foundation will arrange transportation, the majority of which will be via airlines, for those families who cannot drive.

Last year, American Airlines became the official airline of Snowball Express; we look forward to working with them again.

We also received grateful assistance from Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways and JetBlue Airways. Additionally, privately-owned aircraft provided by volunteers from the Veterans Airlift Command provided airlift for 17 families from locations in the western part of the country.

What’s included in terms of transportation and housing?
All air or ground transportation to bring families to Orange County and while at the event are included in the arrangements. Transportation to and from the airports, Los Angeles, Long Beach, John Wayne Airport and Ontario are included.

Hotel accommodations are donated by participating hotels. Food is provided at some of the events, however, you will be responsible for all miscellaneous expenses, such as food and beverages on your own, gifts you buy in hotels, etc.

My child has special needs. Are there provisions for this?
Yes. When you register, please indicate any specific needs your children will require, including special room accommodations, transportation or other requirements.

Upon notification by Snowball Express that you will be attending, confirm the special needs of your child by writing to info@snowballexpress.org and Snowball Express will confirm we have your information on file. The Foundation will work to provide the appropriate level of service requested.

I have several small children. Are volunteers available to help me when I arrive in visiting the various sites?
Yes. Due to the size of the event and the number of attendees this year, we need to limit the number of additional family members who attend. In the case of special needs children, additional family members are permitted. In most other cases, Snowball Express will ask parents to notify us in advance of the need for assistance with multiple small children or other circumstances in which they feel they need additional assistance. We have many local volunteers who have worked with Snowball Express, including American Airlines personnel, Rotary Club members and hundreds of others. We prefer to enlist these volunteers and allow them to help where required, versus your bringing additional family members, such as your in-laws, mothers or siblings. Offering to pay for these attendees doesn’t offset the logistical costs of adding additional “guests” to the Snowball Express event.

Note: It should not be assumed that if you were allowed to bring additional family members in the past that this will be permitted again. Every attendee not listed on the DD1300 and who is not a parent or legal guardian must be approved by Snowball Express to stay at the hotel and attend the closed events. This number will be very limited for this year’s event, since we expect a nearly double the number of attendees. If your attendance is dependent on other family members not listed on the DD1300 accompanying you and they are not a new spouse, child or step- child, please give strong consideration to conserving our limited resources that are being provided for the children of fallen heroes.

How will I be notified of my travel itinerary?
By email and by phone.
• In the case of American Airlines, you will be contacted by a charter coordinator who will notify you of the departure city and time of your departure. These are American Airline flight attendants.
OR
• You may be contacted by other airline reservation agents acting on behalf of Snowball Express to make your flight schedules and notify you and Snowball Express of them.
OR
• You may be contacted by a representative from YTB Travel who will notify you of your flight schedule, acting on behalf of Snowball Express.

It is important to write down your information and confirm the correct departure date. Arrival dates may occur after the announced date of arrival for all families if your schedule requires it. Departure dates may be later if notified at the time of the initial reservations.