When over 400,000 Veterans and service members send pictures and thank you notes for the amazing experiences and life-long memories provided by a non-profit organization—free of charge, the impact is unquestionable. Photos of smiling families, happy couples, and close friends embracing, with a stadium or stage in the background, turn the words of a mission statement into reality. Veterans Ticket Foundation, or VetTix, makes this happen every day.
VetTix provides free tickets to Veterans and service members with the aim of reducing stress, strengthening family bonds, building life-long memories and encouraging connections with local communities. How it works: First, VetTix secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities. Then, Veterans sign up online, where their service is verified. Finally, members, or ‘VetTixers,’ request tickets to events that interest them, pay a small delivery fee and receive their free tickets.
“When our Veterans go to an event for free, we want them to enjoy, relax, spend precious time with their families, and feel a part of American life,” said VetTix CEO Mike Focareto. “That’s what we are committed to creating every day. And we’re excited to partner with VA to bring positive experiences to more, not only Veterans, but their families as well.”
VA saw the incredible work VetTix is doing for Veterans across the country and signed a partnership between the two organizations, focused on improving Veterans lives. Officially called a Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement is centered in engaging Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors to increase awareness of the resources available in both organizations. VA promises to give Veterans information on the VetTix program through social media, local facilities and email outreach campaigns, and VetTix promises to send VA information on who they are serving and the impact, plus, outreach to their member population on VA programs and services. It’s a win-win for both organizations.
“VA is thrilled to move forward on this official agreement with VetTix,” said Dr. Lynda Davis, Chief of VA’s Veteran experience office. “We’ve seen and heard the feedback and fruits of their labors and are excited to see what we can do together in continuing to serve our Veterans and their families. We are constantly looking for resources inside and outside of VA that improve the Veteran experience and quality of life, and VetTix feels like a perfect fit.”
‘Give Something to Those Who Gave’
VetTix is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization reporting a 95% charity rate, meaning 95 cents out of every dollar they receive goes back to the Veterans and military members they serve. They recently announced surpassing the 7 million tickets given mark.
Visit them at www.vettix.org for more information.
