In 2008, Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix) began as a small, grassroots effort. Today, Vet Tix and its sister organization, 1st Tix, proudly announce a significant milestone:30 million free event tickets have been distributedto Veterans, active militarymembers, first responders (current and former), and their families across all U.S. states.
The national nonprofit organization with over 2.3 million members has become the nation's largest Veteran Service Organization. They secure and distribute free tickets to events that help reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build lifelong memories, and encourage service members, veterans, and first responders to stay engaged with their communities and American life. The face value of these tickets exceeds $1.5 billion, but the support they offer is immeasurable.
“It's not just 30 million tickets. It's over 30 million ways we give something to those who gave,” says Michael A. Focareto III, U.S. Navy veteran, CEO and Founder of Vet Tix. “We've provided over 30 million opportunities to create experiences and memories that will last a lifetime, or just enjoy an event with family and friends free from daily stressors.”
Voices of Support
Long-time Vet Tix advocate and NASCAR Cup and Daytona 500 Champion Kurt Busch agrees: “The men and women of the military have always been a fixture at the raceway, and they inspire me every day. It has been my pleasure to commemorate their service with tickets to NASCAR events distributed by an outstanding organization whose founders and volunteers also put service first.”
Concerts and sporting events are among the top donations to Vet Tix and 1st Tix, but they also offer tickets to family-friendly venues, comedy clubs, and performing arts centers. Focareto emphasizes, “We're committed to reaching every veteran, military member, and first responder, past and present, in every community and branch of service. We also strive to involve the family members and friends who support them by garnering ticket donations that appeal to everybody.”
The organization's first significant donor event was an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game on July 4. “We've been on board with the Vet Tix mission since Day One,” said Derrick Hall, President, CEO, and General Partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. “Not only have they built the organization into a national powerhouse, butthey remain an incredible local partner. I'm proud to work with Vet Tix to get D-backs tickets into the hands of the veterans and first responders who do so much for our community.”
More Than Just Tickets
While their mission may seem straightforward, the organization's impact is profound. Vet Tix and 1st Tix exemplify the enduring power of shared experiences and the unwavering commitment to caring for those who have served and sacrificed.
“The act of service to our country and communities is something most Americans will never have to experience,” Focareto notes. “In addition to enduring the impacts of military deployments or long shifts while on duty, many veterans, service members, and first responders endure invisible emotional challenges. These events are much more than a way to pass the time-they create space for moments of joy that are an important part of recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration, and reconnection.”
You can read and use any of the Vet Tix members' testimonials and photos here:https://www.vettix.org/visitor/our-impact/life-changing-feedback. To learn more aboutVetTix, visithttps://www.vettix.org/and 1st Tixhttps://www.1sttix.org.
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SOURCE Veteran Tickets Foundation
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