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.

March 16, 2009 (PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Through the Generosity of the Phoenix International Raceway(PIR), 1000 military members and Veterans will be able to attend the Subway Fresh 500 NASCAR event on April 18, 2009 though a partnership with Veteran Tickets Foundation. Because this yearly event sells out very quickly, 1000 tickets means a great deal to a community who might not have otherwise been able to attend.

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.”