Veteran Tickets Foundation
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national, non-profit, 501c(3) organization located in Phoenix, Arizona that gives free event tickets to Veterans, Active Duty Military and their families.
Type | Non-Profit, 501c(3) |
---|---|
Industry | Veterans' benefits |
Founded | Phoenix, Arizona (2008) |
Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona , U.S. |
Area served | U.S. |
Key people | Michael A Focareto III, CEO Edward Rausch,COO Butch Hogan, CTO Steven Weintraub CSO |
Services | Free/Discounted Event Tickets |
Website | vettix |
History
The concept of Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix - 1st Tix) was developed when Disabled Veteran Michael Focareto (US Navy) attended the 2008 Super Bowl in Phoenix, AZ. As the seat next to him went empty for the entire game, Focareto wondered why it had not been filled with one of the military members who presented down on the field before the game started. Focareto quickly formed a team of individuals who would help him carry out his mission.
Since 2008 - Present - Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix - 1st Tix) has given away over 9.5 Million free tickets (in all 50 states and DC) to veterans, currently serving military members, 1st responders, and their families at a value over $480 Million serving over 1.5 Million Military, Veteran, and 1st Responder Families
All of that being said, the executive compensation is may seem high for an organization above $130 Million in revenue and expenses. According to the last freely available IRS fillings from 2017, they have 4 executives making about $300,000 each in total compensation. Linked below is a CEO compensation study published July 2020 to get a better understanding of that subject. This organization is highly efficient operating with 3% admin costs 2019 (see CFC.gov link below) and above 95% back to programs over the past 8 years (GAAP audited per CFC requirements). Finally, they have purchased over $9 million in event tickets making them themselves their number 5 donor in ticket value (link below). The link to their freely available tax fillings is listed below in the links section to verify all these claims.
We encourage everyone to do their research on any organization they want to support. Make sure they are GAAP audited, that they have no qualifying statement in their audited financial, figure out your acceptable admin costs, and do they benefit who they say they do and how much? Vet Tix does and you can see this with their over 550K testimonials submitted using the link listed below
Awards
In Feb 2015, Veteran Tickets Foundation CEO was honored to be included in The HillVets 100 highlights the most influential and impactful veterans, service members and supporters from 2014 .
External links
- Veteran Tickets Foundation
- https://speedwaydigest.com/
- https://www.henryherald.com/sports/veteran-tickets-foundation-and-camping-world-to-sponsor-gander-trucksl
- Press Room
- 2017 Tax Filling
- Nonprofit CEO Compensation Study
- CFC website search Veteran Tickets Foundation
- 550k(plus) testimonials
- Ticket Donor Listing