They’re on a mission to give away millions of free tickets for concerts, sporting events and more to those that know the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
They’re called 1st Tix… and in the last year they’ve made a huge impact on the first responder community.
After having an incredible amount of success with giving away millions of event tickets to members of the military, they decided to spread their reach to include emergency responders. 1st Tix got started last August, and in one year have already given nearly 100,000 tickets away to families who deserve it most.
“In just one year, 1st Tix has provided thousands of tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, family activities, and more, nationwide,” said Michael Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation founder and CEO. “Our goal has been, and will continue to be, to serve first responders as a way to thank them as they keep our families and communities safe each and every day.”
To date, more than 7.5 million tickets have been given away.
Want tickets? Here’s how easy it is to sign up to get yours:
Any military veteran or first responder can head to the 1st Tix website and register to receive free tickets to an upcoming event. The 1st Tix lottery system then randomly chooses a winner and the tickets for the event are sent along.
Those receiving the tickets just have to pay a small delivery fee. That’s it.
Why do they do it?
Simply put… not enough is being done to thank these brave heroes.
More than thirty percent of first responders have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, like depression and PTSD, with eighty-four percent citing they have encountered trauma on the job.
So by assisting them in strengthening family bonds, creating positive memories and encouraging engagement with the communities they serve… things might be just a little bit better for those who serve.
Just listen to some of the things America’s bravest have to say about the experience.
“Thank you 1st Tix and Live Nation for the opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends, we even met new friends enjoying the same opportunity through 1st Tix. Without 1st Tix and amazing donors we would not be able to attend events like this. Thanks again,” – Matthew (Brad Paisley Concert)
“Thank you to Palm Beach Improv for providing us with a great night of comedy with Adam Ferrara! I was able to bring a fellow first responder and his wife who has recently been going through some health issues and they both really needed a good night out! Thank you!!!” – Bryan (Palm Beach Improv)
“Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to enjoy such amazing events. Keep up the good job of blessing those veterans and first responders. I really enjoyed myself and had alot of fun.” – Michael (NFL Preseason Game)
How do they do it?
1st Tix is a national nonprofit organization that evolved from Vet Tix (Veteran Tickets Foundation) which was created in 2008. 1st Tix provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, create positive memories, and encourage first responders to stay engaged with local communities and American life. 1st Tix supports the brave men and women who answer our emergency calls by honoring their service with positive family and life experiences.
The goal? To demonstrate to those who serve and protect our communities and our country that they are not alone.
Focareto says that after being so involved on the veteran side with Vet Tix, he’s so happy to be able to continue serving even more of our country’s heroes.
“Over the past eleven years, we’ve seen an excellent response from the veteran and military community, one we’re honored to see matched in this first responder community,” he said.
Vet Tix is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization with a 95 percent charity rate, which means 95 cents out of every dollar received goes back to those Vet Tix serves. Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided more than 7.4 million tickets to 1.3 million verified VetTixers.
It’s an amazing gift for the people who deserve it most. Let’s make sure everyone gets the message.
Click Here If You Are An Emergency Responder
Click Here If You Are In The Military
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