Vet Tix достигла отметки в 40 миллионов бесплатных билетов для ветеранов, военнослужащих и спасателей
Ключевые выводы
- •Vet Tix announced that it has given away 40 million free event tickets nationwide.
- •The organization began in Phoenix in 2008 and now says it serves more than 2.8 million members.
- •About 40% of the tickets distributed by Vet Tix are sports-related, and the program also includes concerts, family attractions, comedy and performing arts events.
- •Vet Tix said the tickets it has distributed carry a combined face value of more than $2.6 billion and an estimated total economic impact of more than $6.5 billion.
- •The organization said a study found that attending live events improved well-being for 90% of respondents and strengthened family bonds for 86%.
Vet Tix достигла важной вехи, распределив 40 million бесплатных билетов на мероприятия среди ветеранов, действующих военнослужащих, бывших и нынешних спасателей, а также их семей во всех 50 штатах.
Организация начала работу в Phoenix в 2008 году как инициативa, выросшая из местного сообщества, и с тех пор, по ее словам, превратилась в крупнейшую в стране Veteran Service Organization, обслуживающую более 2.8 million members. Vet Tix объявила о достижении этой отметки в пресс-релизе во вторник.
“It's not just 40 million tickets. It's 40 million opportunities to create memories, strengthen family bonds and give something back to those who have served our country and communities,” Michael A. Focareto III, ветеран U.S. Navy, CEO и founder of Vet Tix, said in the press release.
“Мы благодарны тысячам доноров, включая спортивные команды, площадки, артистов, билетные организации и частных лиц, которые делают эти возможности реальностью. Каждый билет помогает нам приближаться к нашей цели — охватить ветеранов, военнослужащих и спасателей в каждом сообществе по всей стране. Мы также стремимся создавать возможности для членов семей и друзей, которые их поддерживают, обеспечивая пожертвования билетов, рассчитанные на широкий круг интересов,” he added.
Vet Tix said the Arizona Diamondbacks were its first major donor in 2008. The organization said about 40% of its tickets are sports-related.
Through Vet Tix and 1st Tix, recipients can access sporting events, concerts, family attractions, comedy performances and performing arts events. A study by IMPCT Group found that attending live events has significant benefits for the wellness and social engagement of veterans, first responders and their families, offering a practical example of how donated tickets can extend beyond entertainment.
The study found that 90% of respondents said attending events positively affected their well-being, while 86% said it strengthened family bonds.
Vet Tix said the tickets it has distributed have a combined face value of more than $2.6 billion. Additional event-related spending has generated an estimated $3.75 billion in economic activity, bringing the total estimated economic impact to more than $6.5 billion.
On average, Vet Tix distributes 25,000 to 30,000 tickets per day, underscoring the scale of a program that relies on steady donations from venues and ticket holders.
“The act of service to our country and communities is something most Americans will never have to experience,” Focareto said. “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.”
