Meet Zoey Daly | Hearts for Heroes, Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zoey Daly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zoey, what are you inspired by?
I started my foundation, Hearts for Heroes, because I have a passion for helping others. My dad is a First Responder and my Grandpa is a Veteran. They both inspired me with their service to our country and local communities. Seeing how they selflessly have given to others, made me realize I can do the same, even if it’s not through our military or fire service. Through Hearts for Heroes I collect snacks and thank you cards for First Responders and military personnel. Being connected with Operation Gratitude, I’ve been able to send thank you cards around the world to our brave deployed military service members. Collecting the snack baskets, allows me to travel around to city fire and police stations and brighten their day with thank you cards and treats.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of Hearts for Heroes, I’m blessed to be represented by Grogan Management as a working actress and model in the southwest region. I love being able to express my artistic side through modeling. Whether it be on set for a commercial shoot, on the runway or editorial, I’ve had so much fun meeting others and being creative through this art. I’m so thankful to Bella Modeling School for helping me reach my dream. There have been plenty of challenges along the way to a career in modeling. As a student first, I must always get my homework done and make school a priority. Sometimes, that has left little time to work on my walks or it means staying up late. No matter what, I stay focused on my goals for each day and trust God’s plan for my future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For just moving to a new town, I found my favorite place pretty quickly. After always getting waffles (and my dad using them as a burger bun) we became known as the “Waffle family.” Our family has a new tradition of always going to Gulias Café in Aubrey after church on Sundays. As a family who loves gluten free treats, we all agree Gulias Cafes gluten free waffles are the bomb. I love the small town feeling of being able to go to a restaurant and its owner come out, recognize and greet us. I would encourage anyone to get out in their community and find and support small businesses.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hearts for Heroes is definitely a team effort. I want to first thank my parents, Daniel & Jennifer, for all their support, encouragement and help. I would not be able to attend collections, take baskets or host events without their involvement. I would also like to thank the Frisco Rough Riders for having me out to a game to raise awareness and collect snack items. In addition, I’d like to thank Lucy’s on the Square, The City of Celina, The Veterans Outpost, Lone Star Mercantile, Buff City Soap Prosper and ThinLine Events for helping me with collections and outreach. Last but not least, a big thank you to my friends who came together on my birthday and joined me by putting gift baskets together and delivering them to local fire and police stations for Hearts for Heroes!

Website: www.ZoeyDaly.com

Instagram: @ZoeyDalyTX

Facebook: ZoeyDalyTX