Gary Sinise Donates $1 Million to Support Veterans Through the Arts

For too long, a crumbling church on Nashville’s west side sat abandoned another forgotten structure with a fading past. But for America’s wounded warriors, that same building now holds the promise of a powerful new future, thanks in large part to a $1 million donation from patriotic actor and longtime veterans’ advocate Gary Sinise.

Sinise, best known for his iconic role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, stepped up in a major way this spring with a game-changing contribution to CreatiVets, a nonprofit helping veterans heal through songwriting, music, and the arts. With a total price tag of $3.35 million, the property was out of reach until Sinise and other private donors made the dream possible.

“Quite often our veterans don’t want any help,” Sinise told the Associated Press. “But through art and theatre... acting out what they are going through can be very, very beneficial.”

This is the kind of leadership that actually serves our veterans.

• In addition to Sinise’s gift, two anonymous donors each contributed $1 million, bringing the organization close to its goal.

• Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant also joined the effort, touring the church and offering financial support.

• The church had been unused since at least 2017. Renovations will cost at least $1.9 million, with more needed to fully outfit the space.

Founded in 2013 by Marine veteran Richard Casper, CreatiVets offers life-changing programs for veterans battling trauma, using music and visual arts as tools for healing. Currently, the group shares a building with another business in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, limiting access to nights and weekends.

But this new space? It’s going to be different.

Casper envisions a 24-hour sanctuary where veterans can record music, write songs, and use artistic tools around the clock whenever inspiration (or pain) strikes. The facility will include a performance center named after Sinise’s late son, Mac Sinise, who passed away in 2024 and was known for his love of music and support of military families.

The Gary Sinise Foundation, launched in 2011, continues to lead where politicians fail providing tangible support for veterans, first responders, and their families. While others talk, Sinise builds. He inspires. He shows up.

Just look at the results. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, over 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year. Programs like CreatiVets offer an alternative path, one where creativity becomes a lifeline instead of isolation.

And while DC bureaucrats waste time pushing divisive social agendas, private citizens like Gary Sinise are quietly doing the work that actually saves lives.

CreatiVets aims to open the new music and art center by next fall. But renovations remain and they’re not cheap. For those looking to make a real impact, donations can be made directly through the CreatiVets website. A public fundraiser, “Stars and Scars to Scripts,” is also being held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center this Wednesday, featuring performances by Vince Gill, Charles Esten, Kalsey Kulyk, and Jay Demarcus.

This is the America we believe in. One where sacrifice is honored, healing is possible, and patriots step up when it counts.

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