Veteran Tickets Foundation Answers the Call to Serve First Responders

PHOENIX, Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a national nonprofit that has provided free event tickets to veterans of all eras, currently serving military and their families since 2008, is now launching 1st Tix, seeking to provide the same service to the nation's first responders, including current and retired law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs.

The country's first responders, a dedicated group of individuals, of more than 2 million firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs. In an effort to honor and support those who serve and protect, 1st Tix will offer free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, family activities and more across the nation. More than 30 percent of first responders have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, like depression and PTSD, with 84 percent citing that they've encountered trauma on the job. The purpose of these events is to reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, create positive memories, and encourage first responders to stay engaged with the communities they serve by providing affordable access to events.

"We're really excited about the opportunity to begin serving this community," said Michael Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation founder and CEO. "We've seen an excellent response from the veteran and military community over the past ten years and received hundreds of thousands of testimonials that attest to the power of community and family connection in relieving stress. Our goal is to provide that same relief to our first responders, who also encounter stress and trauma and work to keep our families and communities safe each and every day."

To receive tickets, first responders sign up at http://www.1sttix.org, verify their eligibility and request tickets to events that interest them. All requests are filtered through the site's lottery system, and those who win will pay a small delivery fee to claim their tickets.

To learn more about 1st Tix, visit http://www.1sttix.org and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Vet Tix: Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national 501(C)(3)nonprofit that supports all branches of currently serving military, including the Guard and Reserves, veterans of all eras, their families, including immediate family of those killed in action, and caregivers of VetTixers. Vet Tix provides free event tickets with a nominal delivery fee to attend sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities. Attending these types of community events improves morale and strengthens family bonds while encouraging service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities. Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided more than 5 million free event tickets to more than 850,000 verified VetTixers. The nonprofit organization spends over 95 percent back to its programs, giving back to those who have given so much. Visit VetTix.org to learn more, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Veteran Tickets Foundation