The Polar Express fundraiser was initially created to support the Isabella Rose Marino Charitable Fund, established in 2002, in honor of Bella Marino, who passed away at the age of four from a rare blood disorder. Isabella’s fund is set up to promote children’s causes that include, but are not limited to: arts, dance, music, and reading – anything having to do with children and the things that Bella loved to do.
This year Isabella’s Endowment Fund will support The Musary, a free musical lending library for children.
Today, the Polar Express benefit supports both the Isabella Rose Marino Charitable Fund and Kids at The Cabot Family Series.Along with the support from our generous sponsor, Mortgage Network, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Van Allsburg, the Polar Express yearly event is looking to be a family tradition for years to come.
The Polar Express is a 2004 American 3D computer-animated film based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, who also served as one of the executive producers on the film. Written, produced and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film features human characters animated using live action motion capture animation.
The film stars Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett and Eddie Deezen, with Tom Hanks in six distinct roles. The film also included a performance by Tinashe at age 9, who later gained exposure as a pop singer in the 2010s, as the CGI-model for the female protagonist.
