Marshall has a proven “Caring Heart” to assist the children of our Military fallen since 9/11
Trisha Marshall, a member of Prudential California Realty’s Newport Beach office, is continuing her six year volunteer involvement with the Snowball Express organization. www.snowballexpress.org.
The mission of Snowball Express, a 501 C3, all volunteer organization, is to provide new hope and new memories for these children who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of their loved one since 9/11 in Iraq and Afghanistan. This grass roots effort began in 2006 here in Orange County where families from all over the nation were treated to a four day, all expense paid holiday weekend, highlighted by a visit to Disneyland, a special party hosted by the incredible Oakley Corporation, and was further reinforced by literally thousands of volunteers, and the support of countless corporations and local and national service organizations. The event was held in California from 2006 to 2008 in December, to help bring some joy during the holiday. This year the families will be heading to Dallas, Texas for their third year to, once again, experience the healing of being together. This special gathering will be held from December 9 to the 13.
Close to 1,500 participants from over 44 cities and several international cities are expected to arrive for this all-expenses paid event which will bring over 1,000 children and their surviving parent or guardian to the
event. American Airlines, who continues in their role as presenting sponsor, will provide eight charter jets. The crews working these flights are donating their vacation hours to bring these precious cargos to Snowball Express.
“The community outreach to support said Marshall, a 22-year veteran of the real estate business. “The dedication of our incredible volunteers locally and nationwide is the steam that drives the success of our mission.”
An early organizer for Snowball Express and a member of the Snowball Express Board of Directors for four years, Marshall’s current responsibilities as trustee and Snowflake coordinator, allows her to facilitate mini “Snowflake” events all over the United States, where she organizes a number of smaller events in the cities and towns where the families live. She commented that, “The children have dubbed me ‘The Big Flake,’ I’ll take it!” Previously employed with a major airline, Marshall is widely respected for the service she provides to her clients, as well as to her community. A recipient of a Caring Heart award, her passion for volunteer work stems from many reasons, but mainly a desire to help others avoid the feelings of loss and sadness that she and her six siblings experienced after losing their mother at an early age.
“It’s important to me that these children know they are not alone, and that we care about what happens to
Trisha Marshall
them,” Marshall said. “One of the many rewarding things that happened to me in the beginning was hearing from a mom about how our event helped her son, ‘smile with his whole face’ for the first time since his daddy died three years previous.” According to Marshall, she is often asked, “Why do you do what you do for these families?” Marshall’s reply is immediate and heartfelt, “It is the right thing to do.”
For more information about Snowball Express, and how to get involved, visit their website, www.snowballexpress.org, or contact Trisha Marshall at 949.233.9007, or e-mail her at TrishaMarshall20@gmail.com.
