There are many things in life we take for granted. Seemingly small things such as attending a concert, sporting event or even a movie, can seem like average, everyday occurrences. But not for everyone.
That’s where the Veteran Tickets Foundation, or VetTix, comes in. By providing free event tickets to veterans and their families, VetTix helps create memories and new opportunities to those who gave everything for America.
The concept was the brainchild of disabled veteran Michael Focaret, who attended the Super Bowl in 2008. Noticing empty seats around him, Michael wondered why there weren’t offered to the military members who were honored on the field prior to the start of the game. From then on, his mission was clear: fill those seats with deserving veterans and their families.
With over 1.8 million tickets given away since the organization was founded in 2008, the nonprofit is helping to re-integrate members of the armed forces back into their communities.
“The 7 percent of our population that are veterans, and less than 1 percent actively serving, shoulder unique burdens of stress, sacrifice and time away from their families,” according to the VetTix website. “The majority of our veterans have served during wartime. Yet these veterans receive limited access to resources that are vital to their reintegration into their communities.”
But it’s the testimonials from the veterans themselves that speak volumes for the organization.
“I am a disabled veteran who had 4 years of service in the Army as a combat medic. I am now a single parent which puts a strain on my recovery from my disability. The events that I am able to take my daughter to and attend through this organization have greatly helped me to enjoy time with my daughter that I otherwise wouldn’t get to enjoy,” Angelique D said in a review of VetTix, giving the organization five out of five stars.
Dozens more veterans have similar stories about how VetTix has touched their lives.
Veteran Tickets Foundation teams up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues and ticket holders to provide free and discounted tickets to the more than 21 million active-duty military and veterans. Currently serving military and honorably discharged veterans from all branches of service as well as family of those killed in action are eligible.
But the organization couldn’t do it without donations from the public. It is constantly seeking donations from season-ticket holders and other donors willing to give up their unused tickets to a veteran and or their family. Check out the Veteran Ticket Foundation website for more information on how you can donate.
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