The kids, who will participate in a private meet and greet with the Cardinals players are all part of families with one or more parent in the military. “I can’t think of a more rewarding event for our organization,” said Vet Tix CEO and Founder Michael Focareto. “Watching these kids out on the field having fun and almost forgetting for a second that one of their parents is fighting a war someplace is what Vet Tix is all about.”

This year Vet Tix has also partnered with Build-a-Bear, who donated bears each wearing a Cardinals Jersey to the lucky kids.

The meet & greet with players and coaches from the AZ Cardinals will take place after practice on Saturday at about 5 p.m.

“Vet Tix is thrilled to make this event happen for the second year in a row,” said Focareto. “Giving back is what our organization is all about, and to have the AZ Cardinals and Build-a-Bear backing us on that mission really validates what we are trying to accomplish.”

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.

Through the program, fans can purchase a single season ticket or tickets for the entire 2010 football season played at Memorial Stadium and make a 100 percent tax deductible donation to veterans and active duty personnel through the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

“It’s so great to see our nation’s college athletic programs supporting the Vet Tix mission,” said CEO and Founder Michael Focareto. “The University of Kansas has made it easy for fans to say thank you to those who gave so much.”

Anyone wishing to make a season ticket donation can do so by logging on to www.kutickets.com/football and clicking on the Veteran Tickets tab or by clicking here. “The University of Kansas is helping Vet Tix make a difference in the lives of our deserving veterans and their families,” added Focareto.

Built in 1921, Memorial Stadium is dedicated to the University of Kansas students who fought and died in World War I.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.

###

Click Here To See Flyer

The ride will make its way to Shea Blvd, east to Fountain Hills, over to Rio Verde back to Dynamite down to Cave Creek, returning to Buddy Stubbs where participants will have a private parking area reserved for the 6th Annual Bike Week Bash.

Craig Creed, a member of the Arizona Patriot Guard was killed last year in a tragic motorcycle crash after escorting the body of a soldier killed in Afghanistan to his final resting place. “Craig Creed was a hero and we are honored to host our very first poker run in his name,” said CEO and Founder of Veteran Tickets Foundation Michael Focareto. Creed is survived by his wife of 23 years Cindy, his daughter Stephanie and son Justin.

Entry fee for the ride is $50 and will include a meal, t-shirt, a poker hand and 10 raffle tickets. The cost for a second rider is $10 and will include a meal, and five raffle tickets.

The top four hands will receive cash prizes ranging from $50 – $300, with raffle prizes given away throughout the day.

100% of proceeds raised will go to benefit Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix).

For more information or to register for the ride, please visit http://www.vettix.org/creedride.php. Interested participants can also register at the Buddy Stubbs Annual Bike Week Bash, but will not receive a t-shirt.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

Vet Tix is proud to announce the official launch of its Hero’s Wish program. Hero’s Wish allows members who meet certain criteria to request specific tickets for any single event, and have donors fulfill that request either by ticket donation or by donating money to make the hero’s wish come true.

“Hero’s Wish is the next logical step for Vet Tix as we continue to look for creative ways to give something to those who gave,” said CEO and Founder Michael Focareto. “Keeping with our mission of saying thank you, Hero’s Wish gives us the opportunity to drill down further by targeting some of our most special members.”

The Hero’s Wish program can be used by Active Duty Military Personnel (one month prior to, while on leave from or one month after their deployments), severely wounded warriors and the families of men and woman killed in action (KIA).

By visiting the Veteran Tickets Foundation Web site at www.VetTix.org and clicking on the Hero’s Wish tab, anyone can help Vet Tix fulfill a wish by purchasing requested tickets, or by simply donating money to a wish or to the program. New wishes are being submitted all the time.

For more information about Hero’s Wish or to make a donation to Veteran Tickets Foundation, visit www.VetTix.org.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

This year’s game will feature a matchup between Minnesota and Iowa State.

“Insight was the first organization to make a substantial donation to Vet Tix for its Bowl game in 2008,” said Michael Focareto, CEO and Founder of Vet Tix. “We are certain more Bowl organizers will follow Insight’s lead in seeing the value of giving back to those who gave.”

Since Insight’s donation last year, Vet Tix has given away over 37,000 tickets at no cost as a way of saying thank you to its ever expanding membership of over 12,000 Veterans, Active Duty and Reservists. “Having given away nearly $2 Million in free tickets to amazing events across the country this year means one thing to me; Next year’s going to be a very, very good year,” added Focareto.

“Vet Tix has a very honorable mission and we’re pleased we can play a part in it,” said Dave Casillo, SVP, Strategic Partnerships and Marketing for Insight. “This donation reflects a portion of our gratitude for the contribution and sacrifice these veterans have made.”

About Insight
Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading provider of brand-name information technology (“IT”) hardware, software and services to large enterprises, small to medium-sized businesses and public sector institutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The company has more than 4,900 teammates worldwide and generated sales of $4.8 billion for its most recent fiscal year, which ended December 31, 2008. Insight is ranked number 484 on Fortune magazine’s 2009 ‘Fortune 500’ list. For more information, please call (480) 902-1001 in the United States or visit www.insight.com.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

Customers simply need to tell their server that they are participating in the Vet Tix Dine to Donate program to get their check stamped.

As a 501c3 non-profit charity organization, Vet Tix fundraising efforts focus on providing event tickets for our rapidly growing military member base. Applebee’s understands the importance of saying “thank you” to Active Military, Veterans, and their families.

Applebee’s will honor the donation for dine-in patrons, or take-away.

“As Veteran Tickets Foundation continues to give back to those who serve, we appreciate the generous donations made to us by organizations like Applebee’s,” said Vet Tix CEO Michael Focareto.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communications Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, Chief Communication Officer at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

The sizable donation, along with some other donations made by the NFL and Arizona State University, has helped Vet Tix give away more than 30,000 tickets in one year. “We have given away over $2 Million in tickets this year; I cannot even imagine what next year will hold for this foundation,” said Michael Focareto, CEO Veteran Tickets Foundation.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

“With the new support system, users as well as VTF staff will now be able to submit tickets, view old tickets, reply via email to any support issues, thus decreasing support turnaround time. As our website grows, look for additions to the built in knowledge base, and troubleshooter to help our active duty military and veterans with issues relating to our website even faster!”

More info about Kayako can be found on their website at http://www.kayako.com/

Michael told the story of how the idea for the all-volunteer work of this organization came to be, and it’s a compelling story of seeing something he thought was wrong and setting out to make it right.

Now his organization is a central gathering point for donated tickets for all types of events. The tickets are then given out to veterans and active duty military personnel.

Michael (pictured here) is a disabled veteran (shoulder injury) of the US Navy (1988 – 1993) serving in the 1st Gulf War; he was a Naval Nuclear Engineer aboard the USS Virginia (CGN-38).

Listen to Michael explain how the system works.

And then go to his site now to offer tickets, make a donation or, if you are a veteran or active duty military, sign up for free to receive donated tickets.
___

Phyllis Zimbler Miller is the author of the novel MRS. LIEUTENANT and the co-author of the Jewish holiday book SEASONS FOR CELEBRATION. She is also an Internet business consultant and the co-host of the BlogTalkRadio show YourMilitaryLife.com.

Phyllis’ company provides Internet marketing training as well as social media marketing to promote your business more effectively.

From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. anyone with an active duty military, Veteran, American Legion, VFW ID or DD214 form is invited to come out to Fear Farm to enjoy five scary mazes, kids activities, military displays including the National Guard #88 NASCAR and Patriot Chopper, and special appearances by the Suns Gorilla and Coyotes mascot Howler.

The regular fee for entry to Fear Farm is $25.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to work with groups like Fear Farm to host events like this,” said Vet Tix CEO Michael Focareto. “The venue is donating thousands of potential dollars they could be making in profit so that military members might enjoy a fun filled night with their families, and we sincerely cannot thank them enough.”

In addition to the corn maze, guests can expect Army recruiters to be on hand with a target shooting game, a pie walk sponsored by Village Inn and Blue Star Moms, face painting and carnival games with prizes sponsored by Kohl’s Department Store.

Activities for young children will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Adult corn maze and activities will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.

###

It has recently been brought to my attention that the integrity of Veteran Tickets Foundation, our mission, and our work with affiliated groups has been questioned by some of our important community partners. I, along with my staff made up entirely of volunteers, am very passionate about the service we provide to our Veteran, Active Duty and Reserve population; therefore I feel it imperative that I address these issues immediately in an effort to curb any misinformation.

RUMOR:
Veteran Tickets Foundation collects free tickets, meant for the community, and sells them on VetTix.org.

FACT:
Veteran Tickets Foundation is a nationally recognized 501c3 based out of Phoenix, AZ that collects tickets and distributes them FOR FREE, without prejudice to Veterans, Active Duty members and their families as a way of saying thank you. This entire organization was built on the premise of thanking a community that is often overlooked and we pride ourselves on serving our military members; so much in fact, that each of our 17 staff members volunteers their time. The domain for Veteran Tickets Foundation is VetTix.org. Each and every ticket that has been donated to the Foundation is listed under the “Partners” tab on the Web site. In one year Veteran Tickets Foundation has given away 25,000+ free tickets to its database, and we couldn’t be prouder of the work that we have accomplished.

Because our staff is made up entirely of volunteers, it can be extremely frustrating when a ticket that was claimed, goes unused, not only because another Veteran could have been sitting in that seat, but also because of the coordination that goes into fulfilling a request by my staff. Consequently we decided earlier this year to institute a shipping charge for requested tickets. The charge is a standard shipping rate, and simply covers the cost of processing requests through our organization. Incidentally, we have found that organizations donating tickets to Veteran Tickets Foundation appreciate that tickets are no longer going to waste with our new “insurance policy.” Simply put, if a person pays a processing fee they are much less likely to let that ticket go to waste.

Since shipping was implemented, we have documentation illustrating that 80% of tickets donated go to Active Duty military bases, and of the 20% remaining, over 90% are requested by Active Duty members.

RUMOR:
Veteran Tickets Foundation collects free tickets, meant for the community, and sells them on another Web site called VetTix.com.

FACT:
VetTix.com was created as NOTHING MORE than an alternative for our large database of members who might request a ticket to an event that the Foundation did not receive free tickets for. There are 26 Million Veterans in the United States, and although the Foundation has high aspirations that tickets will soon be available for every major event in every major city, we simply cannot accommodate that goal at the moment.

VetTix.com is a PRIVATELY funded secondary ticket broker Web site that anyone may use to purchase tickets to events. The inventory listed for sale on this site is not owned, nor provided by anyone associated with Vettix.org. Independent brokers from around the country pay to use the site to sell their inventory. The bonus for patrons of VetTix.com is that a portion of each ticket purchase goes directly to Veteran Tickets Foundation, so that we may continue our mission of providing free tickets to our members. The veteran population is extremely loyal, and VetTix.com was merely created to keep our customers happy; customers who believe in purchasing something from a business that gives so much back to its community.

Because the name VetTix is being used on both the .com and .org pages, it has become somewhat confusing both to our customers and more importantly our donors. Because of this, VetTix.com will soon undergo a name and logo change that will help create a clear delineation between the two organizations.

RUMOR:
Veteran Tickets Foundation does not have a measure in place to ensure each member is either a legitimate Veteran or Active Duty member of the U.S. military

FACT:
Veteran Tickets Foundation ensures that each one of its members is legitimate through a validation process which includes providing a confirmed .mil email address for Active Duty and Reserve members, and a DD-214 discharge form and photo ID for Veterans members.

RUMOR:
Veteran Tickets Foundation is simply a money making guise for several unethical individuals.

FACT:
I challenge you to find a more ethical group of individuals than the ones who sacrifice their time for an organization I hold so closely to my heart. We stand by our mission because we ARE the mission. Every single person working at Veteran Tickets Foundation has either served in the U.S. military, or has had a loved one that served. As we speak, our Volunteer Coordinator’s husband, who is stationed at Luke Air Force Base is deploying to the Middle East. It’s because of people like her and her husband that we attempt, if only in a small way, to show our deep appreciation for our service member’s sacrifice. I encourage you to take a look at the “About Us” page on VetTix.org and dispute that the staff I handpicked would unethically mistreat those that we serve.

My staff is so dedicated to what we do, that on almost any given weekend, you’ll find them attending events in the community to help spread the word, like the Miramar air show we attended this past weekend. Or you’ll find them working feverishly gathering and distributing tickets at a moment’s notice if it means a Veteran can enjoy a night out with his or her family.

Because we understand that without the support of our community our mission cannot be carried out, I invite anyone, at any time to view our detailed ticket log, strategic plan or financial statements. Please call our office at 1-888-241-1550 or email us on the Web site at VetTix.org and we will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.

I thank you for your time, and your continued desire to help us “Give Something to Those Who Gave.”

Sincerely,

Michael Focareto
CEO/Founder

“Thank you for the tickets, had a great time. Really needed a good time.”
Edward, a serviceman, expressed his gratitude on the Web site of the Veteran Tickets Foundation after attending an Arizona Diamondbacks-Pittsburgh Pirates game this summer.
But the non-profit organization believes the thanks should go to Edward and other active-duty military, veterans and their families. That’s why the Phoenix-based national program was created more than a year ago and why individuals, sports teams, performance venues and businesses donate tickets to the charity.
“It surprises (the veterans and active-duty personnel) when they’re given free tickets,” said Heather Gray, an Air Force veteran and a member of the foundation’s all-volunteer staff. “You shake the hand of a Vietnam vet and say thanks, and he says, ‘You don’t have to thank me.’ They get choked up, and it’s touching for us, too.”
Inspiration for the foundation came when Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III, now its director, noticed an empty seat beside him at a Super Bowl game.
“He said, ‘It sure would have been nice if that seat had been filled with one of those people presenting arms down on the field before the game,’ ” Gray recalled.
Within months, the Veteran Tickets Foundation had established partnerships with teams and venues, and donated tickets soon poured forth. Along the way, individuals donated tickets they couldn’t use. After about a year, the group had given out more than 15,000 tickets, valued at $1.75 million.
To request tickets, current and former military personnel create an account online at vettix.org and search for events by state. Donations of money and tickets also can be made through the site. The group can be reached at 888-241-1550.
Events including NASCAR races and Arizona Cardinals games and “anything that’s kind of all-American” are especially popular, Gray said. But selections in the Phoenix area have included everything from Cirque du Soleil performances to a Wiggles concert for kids.
“It’s important to us to thank military families, too,” Gray said. “Our soldiers can’t be successful without knowing that their family unit back home is taking care of everything while they’re gone.”

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – The Arizona Cardinals have scored a huge touchdown with Veterans, Active Duty service members and their families, as they assist Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) in continuing its mission of “giving something to those who gave.” The team donated 300 tickets to this Friday’s pre-season match up against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The NFC Champions are the first NFL team to donate to the 501c3 marking a partnership that Founder and CEO Mike Focareto hopes continues all season long. “We’ve worked diligently to foster a relationship with the NFL,” Focareto said. “The Arizona Cardinals have shown that they are an organization that supports and will continue to support those who serve, and we couldn’t be happier to bring this to our members.”

This isn’t the first time the AZ Cardinals have reached out to military members and their families through Vet Tix. Just last month the team hosted a private meet & greet with 40 children of the Army’s 1404th Transportation Company whose mothers and fathers were deployed earlier this year. The event was a huge success for kids who belong to the Army National Guard Unit stationed at Camp Navajo, Flagstaff AZ. Chief Warrant Officer Jannell Suell’s son Bryce was one of those lucky kids. “The meet & greet was such a phenomenal experience for my son whose father just deployed. Dryce came home to tell everyone he was famous,” said Suell.

With ticket prices starting around $50 for NFL games, Vet Tix plans to reach a group that may otherwise not be able to enjoy the sport, and Focareto believes this is just the beginning of a trend. “We hope all teams in the NFL hear about what we are doing, see the value, and donate tickets to those who serve nationwide. It’s those all American moments, like football games, where we can easily say thank you.”

About Vet Tix
Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

In honor of Lusk, who was killed in an Apache helicopter crash in Kuwait on Jan. 21, 2005, Nathan Thompson, Aaron Thompson and Nolan Meyers have decided to drop everything and travel to all 31 NFL stadiums and nine college games during the 2009 season. Along the way the three will be hosting tailgate fundraisers at 40 pro and college football games throughout the season to raise money for the Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund (joelusk.org). Thompson and Meyers will also be training for the Rock N’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix to raise additional money for the fund.

The Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund was set up by his family to help as many people as possible in his name. The current focus is to provide financial assistance to families of military personnel who have been killed or wounded while defending the country.

“Joe and I planned this trip together when we were in flight school at Fort Rucker,” said Thompson. “I just finished my second tour in Iraq, and now it’s time to pursue a dream that’s been a long-time coming, because I know Joe would do it for me.”

The three will kick off the season on Sept. 7 when they visit Tallahassee, FL for the Florida State vs. Miami Monday night game. They will then travel to Pittsburgh for the NFL season opener on Sept. 14 – Steelers vs. Titans. After the start of the trip, the guys will travel by RV nearly 30,000 miles and through over 40 states to accomplish this feat. Follow along with this adventure on their website at 31stadiums.com.

The guys have also linked up with Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix.org). Vet Tix will be sponsoring the RV as it travels around the country and hosts tailgates at each stadium. Vet Tix provides free tickets to sporting and non-sporting events to all Veterans, Active Duty Military members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.”

31stadiums.com was created in 2009 to allow others to follow three friends around the country. The site offers information, blogs, pictures, and video of the adventure and also offers a chance to donate to the cause. Visit 31stadiums.com to follow an adventure of a lifetime.
# # #

The meet & greet with players and coaches from the AZ Cardinals will take place in two shifts before each practice with 20 kids in each slot.  The first group will meet the players at 9:05 AM and the second will begin at 3:05 PM.

“Vet Tix is thrilled to make this event happen for the kids of the 1404^th,” said Vet Tix CEO and Founder Michael Focareto.  “Giving back is what our organization is all about, and to have the AZ Cardinals backing us on that mission really validates what we are trying to accomplish.”

The 1404^th Transportation Company is an Army National Guard Unit stationed at Camp Navajo, Flagstaff AZ.   The group has been deployed for several months, and was selected by Vet Tix to enjoy this special event as a way of saying thank you to the families who endure lengths of time without their loved ones.

Pat Tillman’s legacy will also be celebrated out on the field by all of the children wearing t-shirts bearing his Cardinals jersey number, 40.  “Pat Tillman Foundation seeks to celebrate Pats distinguished legacy by providing resources and support to soldiers, veterans and military families. “The Pat Tillman Foundation is honored to support this event and provide a memorable experience for these children,” said Executive Director, Kadi Tierney.  “Partnering with the Veteran Tickets Foundation provides us with a great opportunity to connect even further with our armed forces and continue Pat’s mission.”

 About Vet Tix

Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

 For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.

We now have our own personal shopping mall listed on GiveBackAmerica.org.

We have partnered with GiveBackAmerica.org to help our organization raise additional funds, all at no extra cost to you the consumer!

GiveBackAmerica.org is an online shopping mall created to raise money for local charities. The concept is simple, every time you shop online from your favorite online retailer (ex. Target, Expedia, Amazon, Ebay) a percentage of each purchase goes to your favorite charity.

How can I help? Follow these simple suggestions!

INDIVIDUALS:

1 – Use our organization’s personal shopping mall every time you shop online!
2 – Tell your friends about our shopping mall using the GiveBackAmerica.org “Six Degrees of Giving Program”
3 – Save our organization’s personal shopping page to your favorites!

WORKPLACE:

1 – Encourage co-workers to use our organization’s personal shopping mall!
2 – Book company travel online through our mall (Ex. Expedia, Travelocity)
3 – Order office supplies online (Ex. Staples, OfficeMax, OfficeDepot)

This is a great opportunity to help us raise money. Please remember to use our organization’s personal shopping mall everytime you shop online, it can make a difference!

Much of my father’s life was defined by two things: his love of sports and his 27 years in the Army.

He spoke little of the latter, except to quell my pursuit of material indulgence with “C’est la guerre, nix pommes de terre!” It was an American’s soldier’s French for “It’s the war, there are no potatoes.”

I would roll my eyes. I regret that now, never engaging in discussion about his service or expressing gratitude for the time he gave to his country. That’s why I love the Veteran Tickets Foundation. It is an organization that thanks those we take for granted in a way my father would appreciate: with free sporting event tickets.

“Ninety-nine percent of veterans you don’t hear anything about,” founder and CEO Michael Focareto said. “This is our way of supporting those 26 million.”

Valley resident Focareto and his friend, Chris Blindheim, were attending Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium last year when they noticed that the soldiers participating in the pregame Color Guard ceremony were being escorted out of the stadium before kickoff. It troubled them that a seat next to them sat empty the entire game.

Both are veterans. Blindheim served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Focareto in the Navy. Focareto enlisted when he was 18, served in the first Gulf War and worked as a nuclear engineer aboard the USS Virginia.

In 1991, the ship was pulling out of Norfolk, Va., during Hurricane Bob. As Focareto climbed down a ladder to reach an engineering room, the storm surge sent him flying two stories down, and he crashed onto a metal floor. He was immediately flown to Bethesda, Md., where doctors operated on his severely damaged shoulder and then told him his five-year military career was over. He officially was a disabled veteran.

He came home, went to college at Arizona State and earned his Masters of Science in Information Management. He works full-time as a senior engineer at a software company, but his passion is the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

The group, which is run mostly by veterans, held its first event July 4, 2008. The foundation’s volunteers bought 240 tickets with their own money for a Diamondbacks game and distributed them to veterans.

Since then, they have worked with professional sports teams around the country to donate tickets. On Saturday, veterans and their families will benefit from 1,400 tickets donated by the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels and Florida Marlins.

In just a year, the group has given away more than 16,000 tickets that have a face value of $1.65 million. Focareto, 39, credits the Diamondbacks and Coyotes with early generosity that helped them get started. The Insight Bowl (1,400 tickets) and Phoenix International Raceway (1,500) also stepped up.

The group also deals with concerts and other event tickets.

It’s pretty simple, really. Veterans and active soldiers just go to the Web site – vettix.org – register and they will be notified when tickets become available.

This foundation doesn’t discriminate. Some groups have specific parameters about who can benefit, from years of services to types of disabilities, but the Veteran Tickets Foundation doesn’t care. If you have served in the armed forces, you qualify.

Family size doesn’t matter either.

“We give away tickets without prejudice,” Focareto said. “If you have a family of five and we have five tickets, we’ll give them to you.”

This foundation is also a great place to turn if you have tickets for an event you can’t use. This group will gladly take them off your hands and give them to a veteran and his family.

Among those working with the staff are former Arizona State and NFL player Jeremy Staat, an Iraqi War veteran, and actor D.B. Sweeney, who has long been active in causes that support the military.

Like any non-profit, it always is looking for help. Financial contributions help pay for expenses, such as the cost to ship tickets around the country. Sponsors, as well as ticket contributions, are always welcome.

For more information, check out their Web site or call 888-241-1550.

My father would have loved this organization. We all should.

Paola Boivin

(Phoenix, Ariz.) – Thanks to Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), 1400 Veterans, Active Duty members and their families will enjoy baseball games across the country for free over the holiday weekend, as a “thank you” for their service. Vet Tix has partnered with the Minnesota Twins, Anaheim Angels and Florida Marlins as it continues its mission, to ‘give something to those who gave’ from Florida to California.
Vet Tix is a non-profit based in Phoenix that collects tickets to amazing events and distributes them without prejudice to Veterans, Active Duty members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” In the past year alone, VTF has collected and distributed over 14,000 tickets at a value of over $1.65 Million to nationwide sporting events, concerts and exhibitions including Major League Baseball, NASCAR, National Hockey League and major concerts. “We believe the events that bring Americans together in the spirit of celebration, competition and camaraderie—those all-American moments are the times we need welcome and acknowledge our Veterans,” said CEO and Founder Michael Focareto.
As Vet Tix looks to the future, the non-profit hopes to reach all 26 million Veterans through generous donations like the one made by these Major League teams. “It’s our goal that no seat is ever left unfilled in a stadium or concert venue when there are Veterans and Active Duty military members across the country that should be filling them,” added Focareto.
For a complete list of events Vet Tix has available, please visit the Web site at www.VetTix.org/events.
To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org. For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.
###

(Houston, Texas) – Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) and the Houston Astros are giving away 250 tickets to the July 10 game vs. the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park as a way of thanking local Veterans, Active Duty military and their families.
Vet Tix is a non-profit based in Phoenix whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave by collecting tickets to amazing events and distributing them without prejudice to Veterans, Active Duty members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” And that mission stands behind everything Vet Tix has done since Michael Focareto came up with the idea at last year’s Super Bowl game in Arizona. “The seat next to me went empty the entire game, and I thought wouldn’t it be nice if someone would have donated that ticket to a Veteran so he or she could enjoy the game,” said Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation CEO.
In the past year alone, VTF has collected and distributed over 14,000 tickets at a value of over $1.65 Million to nationwide sporting events, concerts and exhibitions including the Insight Bowl, Arizona D-Backs games, Milwaukee Brewers games, NASCAR and Barnum and Bailey’s circus. “We believe the events that bring Americans together in the spirit of celebration, competition and camaraderie—those all-American moments are the times we need welcome and acknowledge our Veterans, added Focareto.”
“The Astros have been donating complimentary tickets for years through our Group Charity Ticket program to non-profit groups serving individuals that for various reasons do not have the resources to attend a game on their own,” said Shawn Bertani, Astros Director, Community Affairs. “When the Veteran Tickets Foundation contacted us about working with them to bring local veterans to an Astros game we were certainly interested in doing what we could to help.”
As VTF looks to the future, the non-profit hopes to reach all 26 million Veterans through generous donations like the one made by the Astros.
Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. But most importantly, they are a dedicated group of successful business people who are also Veterans. “We know what it means to serve,” said Focareto. “And now it’s our privilege to serve Veterans and to provide an opportunity for the rest of America to express its thanks and gratitude.”
To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org. For media inquiry, please contact Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at hgray@VetTix.org or 602-703-4729.

“Veteran tickets Foundation is proud to partner with the Minnesota Twins and Morneau’s Mounties to honor our Veterans and Active Duty personnel,” said Michael Focareto, VTF CEO and President. “We are hopeful that this lasting relationship will deepen VTF’s roots in the Midwest and that soon we will be able to offer tickets for multiple events throughout the region.”

Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.”

All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. But most importantly, they are a dedicated group of successful business people who are also Veterans. “We know what it means to serve,” said Focareto. “And now it’s our privilege to serve Veterans and to provide an opportunity for the rest of America to express its thanks and gratitude.”

In one-year alone, VTF has given away nearly 15,000 tickets to games, concerts and games such as the upcoming Twins games at a value over $1.5 Million. The group’s first giveaway is to tomorrow night’s game vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, with upcoming games throughout June and July.

Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill, located at Mesa Riverview, 1065 N. Dobson Rd, Mesa AZ 85201, will open on June 3 with a special “invite only” party.  Prior to the event, Veteran Tickets Foundation will be hosting a singing contest, with the grand prize of an all access VIP package, including a meet and greet with Toby Keith.

“We really want our service men and women to know that this is a place they are always welcome,” said Frank Capri,” I Love this Bar and Grill Owner.  “We look forward to hosting our military members not only at our grand opening, but long into the future.”

Active duty or retired military members possessing a “powerful set of pipes” are asked to submit a maximum 60 second video of themselves singing the popular Toby Keith song, “I Love this Bar” via email  no later than 11:59 P.M. Thursday, May 28. 

The top five entries will be posted by 5 P.M. Friday, May 29 on www.VetTix.org for public voting.  Votes will be accepted through 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, May 31 with the winner being announced on Monday, June 1 at 10 A.M. on the Website. 

The winner of “American Soldier Idol” and three of his or her friends will receive a VIP experience including:

·         One room, one night accommodation at the Scottsdale Hyatt Place Hotel

·         Limo transportation to and from Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill provided by Lexani Limo

·         Four all access VIP passes for the grand opening party at Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill beginning at 4 P.M. with media press conference

·         $50 restaurant credit

·         Private meet and greet with Toby Keith

“VetTix is honored to have been asked to participate in this a once in a lifetime event,” said VetTix President and CEO Michael Focareto.  “It’s well known that Toby Keith is a champion for the military, and our cause fits hand in hand.”

Additionally, “I Love this Bar and Grill” has donated 100 passes to Veteran Tickets Foundation to distribute to the Grand Opening as a way of saying thank you to military members and Veterans.

Media contact: Heather Gray, VP Public Relations at 602-703-4729.

About VTF

Veterans Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.” All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

PHOENIX, Ariz.(May 18, 2009) — On Memorial Day, Chase Field is where they’ll come.

Recently returned Arizona Guardsmen, survivors of their fallen brethren and Arizona veterans will be among 1,200 military guests at Military Appreciation Day, courtesy of the Diamondbacks, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the Veteran Tickets Foundation (VTF).

Actor and VTF Advisory Board member D.B. Sweeney will join VTF to present game tickets at 10 a.m. game day to veterans in transition at U.S. Vets- Phoenix, 804 E. Jones Ave., Phoenix. He also will visit with the military guests at the game. “Many of the veterans we serve have never been to a professional baseball game and this is a very special way to honor them,” said U.S. Vets Director Brad Bridwell.

TriWest and VTF have reserved the entire Miller Lite Diamond Club for the game with 200 seats all reserved for the military guests and their families. “Those in uniform and their families are sacrificing a great deal for our freedom, and providing them with a few tangible and enjoyable hours away from their responsibilities is one way to acknowledge that and let them know we appreciate what they do,” said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr.
 
The VTF Diamondback ticket sponsorship is part of TriWest’s Military May Days initiative, sponsoring an event each day in May, National Military Appreciation Month.
 
“I want to bring attention to the important mission of the Veteran Tickets Foundation and to say ‘thank you’ to those who serve,” said Sweeney, who acted in films such as Gardens of Stone, Memphis Belle, Fire in the Sky, The Cutting Edge, No Man’s Land, Spawn, Yellow, Roommates and Eight Men Out.

May 13, 2009 (Chicago, Il)

Phoenix based non-profit, Veteran Tickets Foundation (VTF)  has teamed up with Arena Football team, the Chicago Slaughter to give away 200 tickets to this Saturday night’s game against the Wisconsin Wolfpack.  The game will honor the United States Marine Corps with a special tribute on the heels of Chicago Marine week.

“Anytime VTF can be involved with an organization that honors our military we’re excited to play a role,” said Michael Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation CEO.  “Although VTF is physically distributing the tickets, the Chicago Slaughter is offering us an opportunity to begin national outreach.”

Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave.   The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.”

 All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. But most importantly, they are a dedicated group of successful business people who are also Veterans.  “We know what it means to serve,” said Focareto. “And now it’s our privilege to serve Veterans and to provide an opportunity for the rest of America to express its thanks and gratitude.”

In one-year alone, VTF has given away nearly 12,000 tickets to games, concerts and events such as Saturday night’s game at a value over $1 Million.  “It is an honor to work with an organization like Veteran Tickets Foundation as they reach out to our large military community, and we hope to continue a this strong partnership as both the Chicago Slaughter and VTF grow as household names,” said Gerry Clarke, Team President.

In addition to the USMC Appreciation game, Veteran Tickets Foundation will also be distributing tickets to the Navy tribute game in June.

March 31, 2009

If you don’t want to leave town but would enjoy a night out, check out the Veteran Tickets Foundation, a nonprofit that distributes free event tickets to current and former troops.

Michael Focareto, a disabled Navy veteran, was inspired to start the foundation after attending the 2008 Super Bowl in Phoenix.

He was angry to see empty seats at the game, given that the troops who participated in the pre-game ceremony had to leave the stadium after their performance because they didn’t have tickets. So he decided to set up an organization that could get empty seats to service members.

Since its founding last summer, VTF has given out about 8,000 tickets with a value of $800,000, Focareto said.

Sports teams, theaters and other venues donate empty seats, which can be requested through the foundation’s Web site, www.vettix.org.

Active-duty, Guard and reserve members are eligible, as well as surviving spouses of those killed on active duty, and retirees, veterans and their spouses.

The foundation also operates a for-profit arm as part of a network with access to a separate inventory of discounted tickets for a variety of events at www.vettix.com.

Just remember: The free tickets are at www.vettix.org.

In order to be eligible for the tickets, you must first log onto www.Veterantickets.org and register as a veteran, an active duty member or a dependent. Register soon, as the release of the NASCAR tickets will happen on a first come first served basis one week prior to the event.

The Public will get its first taste of NASCAR excitement at the Clean Slate Celebration at Westgate City Center on April 11 where PIR will display its pace-car alongside the number 3 Dale Earnhardt Jr. car.

Phoenix International Raceway felt the need to participate as soon as they heard the request. “It’s a no-brainer really. “When Veteran Tickets Foundation approached us, fact is, we really would have no problem selling these tickets and making the profit,” said track president Bryan R. Sperber. “But giving something back to those who support us is our main focus.”

The Veteran Tickets Foundation mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. And that mission stands behind everything VTF has done since disabled veteran Michael Focareto came up with the idea at last year’s Super Bowl game in Arizona. “The seat next to me went empty the entire game, and I thought wouldn’t it be nice if someone would have donated that ticket to a Veteran so he or she could enjoy the game,” said Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation CEO. The very next day he began forming a team to assist him in accomplishing his goal.

In the past year, VTF has collected and distributed nearly 9000 tickets at a value of over $850,000 to sporting events, concerts and exhibitions including the Insight Bowl, D-Backs games, Coyotes games and Smucker’s Stars on Ice. “It’s through the generosity of organizations like PIR and NASCAR that has made Veteran Tickets Foundation as successful as it is,” said Focareto. “I’m thrilled that we provide an easy, yet profound way of saying thank you to our service men and women.”

Over the course of one year, VTF has been honored on the field by the Arizona D-Backs, been a part of the first pitch during a game, been featured on local news affiliate 3TV as well as local radio and a had a full feature in Post Magazine.

Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. But most importantly, they are a dedicated group of successful business people who are also Veterans. “We know what it means to serve,” said Focareto. “And now it’s our privilege to serve Veterans and to provide an opportunity for the rest of America to express its thanks and gratitude.”

 Insight Donates 790 Insight Bowl Tickets to Military Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NASDAQ: NSIT

Tempe, Ariz. – December 29, 2008 – Insight Enterprises, Inc. has donated 790 Insight Bowl and Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party tickets to the Veteran Tickets Foundation, which will distribute the tickets to U.S. veterans and active military personnel across the United States. Insight’s contribution is the largest yet to the 10-month-old Veteran Tickets Foundation. “We are pleased to provide these tickets to the Veteran Tickets Foundation to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country,” said Rich Fennessy, president and CEO of Insight.

“Veteran Tickets Foundation believes that tickets are an important expression of gratitude to honor the service of our soldiers. We’re excited to have a globally-recognized, Fortune 500 company like Insight making such a large donation to our organization,” said Veteran Tickets Foundation CEO Michael Focareto, a disabled veteran who served in the first Gulf War.

“Insight has been very generous to the 8,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the Arizona National Guard. Our Guard members, and their families, feel especially appreciated when organizations such as Veteran Tickets Foundation provide these types of opportunities as a way to say thanks for their service,” said Brigadier General Hugo E. Salazar, Adjutant General, Arizona National Guard.

Kickoff for the 20th Annual Insight Bowl is at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. This year’s matchup features the University of Kansas Jayhawks vs. the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. To purchase tickets for the Insight Bowl, which is predicted to draw a record crowd of more than 55,000 fans this year, or for the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, visit www.insightbowl.org.

About Insight
Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading provider of brand-name information technology (“IT”) hardware, software and services to large enterprises, small- to medium-sized businesses and public sector institutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The Company has more than 5,000 teammates worldwide and generated sales of $4.8 billion for its Insight Donates Insight Bowl Tickets

Insight Enterprises, Inc. 1305 W. Auto Drive Tempe, Arizona 85284 480-902-1001 FAX 480-350-1141 most recent fiscal year, which ended December 31, 2007. Insight is ranked number 477 on Fortune magazine’s 2008 ‘Fortune 500’ list. For more information, please call (480) 333-3167 in the United States or visit www.insight.com.

Contact:
Shana Diana
Sr. Manager, Creative Services
shana.diana@insight.com
(480) 333-3167

About Veteran Tickets Foundation
Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization committed to acknowledging the extraordinary service of all veterans by providing free and discounted event tickets to the more than 26 million veterans and more than 1.3 million active duty service members. visit www.vettix.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, AZ, October 4, 2008: 

The online version of the magazine and article “Making a Difference” can be seen at the following web location: http://www.postphx.com/ebook/oct08/flash.html 

Veteran Tickets Foundation gives 250 seats to Veterans for D-backs game on September 12th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, AZ, September 9, 2008: The Veteran Tickets Foundation celebrates their first Awareness game by donating 250 free tickets to Veterans and their families for the Diamondbacks vs. Cincinnati Reds game on September 12th. All festivities will take place in the Miller Lite Diamond Club at Chase Field.

“I’m very excited about our partnerships with the Diamondbacks and VetTix.com,” said Mike Focareto, President and Founder of Veteran Tickets Foundation. “Besides remembering all of those that lost their lives on September 11th and the conflict since, we’re also celebrating the official launch of the Veteran Tickets Foundation.”

Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization committed to acknowledging the extraordinary service of all Veterans by providing free and discounted event tickets to the more than 26 million Veterans and more than 1.3 million active duty service members. The organization was founded and is run by Veterans. Focareto himself is a disabled Veteran and served in the first Gulf War and now works as a design engineer.

“This year, I was at the Super Bowl with my good friend Chris Blindheim who is a former Marine (and now a director in the Foundation),” said Focareto. “We were totally enjoying the game, and I looked over and saw this empty seat. An empty seat—at the Super Bowl! The idea hit me right between the eyes. Wouldn’t it be great if someone would have given that seat away to another Veteran—and written it off as a donation? That’s where the inspiration for Veteran Tickets Foundation came from. And now, little more than six months later, we’re part of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball’s Awareness Series.”

Focareto is quick to add that giving free and discounted tickets away isn’t a “handout”. Veteran Tickets believes that tickets are an important expression of gratitude and that we honor the service of our soldiers now and long after their tour of duty has passed—tickets are a token of our appreciation. The Veteran Tickets Foundation teams up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues, and everyday ticket holders to get Veterans to every event throughout the country.

While many Veterans’ groups stress a certain branch of the military or represent a class of Veteran, such as Vets with Disabilities, Veteran Tickets makes no such distinction. Focareto is fond of the saying, “If you served, you deserve. Whether you’re a Green Beret who loaded machine guns or a support person who loaded vending machines, you’re a Veteran. You served. You deserve a ticket.”

All the tickets to the Sept. 12 Diamondbacks-Reds Veteran Appreciation Night have been distributed to the Arizona National Guard, Veterans and their families. The Diamondbacks are partnering with Veteran Tickets Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. When purchasing tickets, a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the Veteran Tickets Foundation. First pitch is at 6:40pm with post-game fireworks.

Veteran Tickets Foundation gives 250 seats to Veterans for D-backs game on Independence Day.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, AZ, June 27, 2008: The Veteran Tickets Foundation celebrates Independence Day by donating 250 free tickets to Veterans and their families for the D-backs vs. San Diego Padres game on July 4th. All festivities will take place in the Miller Lite Diamond Club at Chase Field.

“I’m very excited about our partnership with the D-backs,” said Mike Focareto, President and Founder of Veteran Tickets Foundation. “Besides celebrating Independence Day, we are also celebrating the official launch of the Veteran Tickets Foundation.”

Veteran Tickets Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization committed to acknowledging the extraordinary service of all Veterans by providing free and discounted event tickets to the more than 26 million Veterans and more than 1.3 million active duty service members. The organization was founded and is run by Veterans. Focareto himself was disabled Veteran and served in the first Gulf War and now works as a design engineer.

“This year, I was at the Super Bowl with my good friend Chris Blindheim who is a former Marine (and now a director in the Foundation),” said Focareto. “We were totally enjoying the game, and I looked over and saw this empty seat. An empty seat at the Super Bowl! The idea hit me right between the eyes. Wouldn’t it be great if someone would have given that seat away to another Veteran and written it off as a donation? That’s where the inspiration for Veteran Tickets Foundation came from. And now, less than six months later, we are throwing out the first pitch on July 4th at a D-backs game.”

Representing Veteran Tickets in throwing out the first pitch will be a soldier who was deployed in Iraq, and after a few short months back home, his wife was then sent to Iraq. “There is going to be a huge surprise. I can’t tell you more than that, but I promise there won’t be a dry eye in the house.”

Focareto is quick to add that giving free and discounted tickets away is not a “handout”. Veteran Tickets believes that tickets are an important expression of gratitude and that we honor the service of our soldiers now and long after their tour of duty has passed, tickets are a token of our appreciation. The Veteran Tickets Foundation teams up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues, and everyday ticket holders to get Veterans to every event throughout the country.

While many Veterans’ groups stress a certain branch of the military or represent a class of Veteran, such as Vets with Disabilities, Veteran Tickets makes no such distinction. Focareto is fond of the saying, “If you served, you deserve. Whether you’re a Green Beret who loaded machine guns or a support person who loaded vending machines, you’re a Veteran. You served. You deserve a ticket.”

All the tickets to the July 4 D-backs – Padres game have been distributed to Veterans and their families. On Sept. 12, 2008, the D-backs will again partner with Veteran Tickets Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. When purchasing tickets, a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

Veteran Appreciation Night is on Friday, Sept. 12, when the D-Backs take on the Cincinnati Reds at 6:40 p.m. with post-game fireworks.