THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS RECEIVES INITIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM WASHINGTON'S LOTTERY FOR THE HOMETOWN HEROES RAFFLE
OLYMPIA - JANUARY 17, 2012: Today, Washington's Lottery announced its gift of $150,000 to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) from sales amassed by the inaugural Hometown Heroes Raffle.
Last September, Washington's Lottery and the WDVA partnered to launch the first annual Hometown Heroes Raffle supporting veterans across the state. The $10 raffle tickets benefited the WDVA's Veterans Innovations Program, which provides crisis and emergency relief, as well as education, training, and employment assistance for Washington veterans returning from post-9/11 conflicts.
The Lottery successfully sold 98 percent of the 300,000 Hometown Heroes Raffle tickets, a big success for a first-time game. "The Hometown Heroes Raffle created a way for the Veterans Innovations Program to continue to assist Washington's veterans where previously there was no future funding available," said WDVA Director John Lee. "We're very thankful to have the Lottery as a partner. With their help we can continue to serve the men and women in our state who have served us so bravely," he continued.
While the Lottery presented the WDVA with a check for $150,000 for the Veterans Innovations Program today, there's more to come as it plans to make a second contribution to the program later this year once unclaimed prizes and final costs are calculated.
With any Washington's Lottery prize, prizes expire after 180 days of the game's drawing. This gives players until May 8, 2012 to claim their Hometown Heroes Raffle prize. "These brave men and women have selflessly served here at home and abroad, we're doing everything we can do ensure they receive the most funding as possible from the game's ticket sales." said Bill Hanson, director of Washington's Lottery.
WHY A VETERANS RAFFLE?
The Veterans Innovations Program started serving veterans in 2007 and was supported by State funding. A lack of State funds meant that this program would be out of money in 2012. Legislation was passed instructing that Washington's Lottery hold an annual raffle to help fund this valuable and important assistance program. The Hometown Heroes Raffle will allow Washington State to keep helping those veterans that need it most.
VETERANS INNOVATIONS PROGRAM
The Veterans Innovations Program has helped over 800 National Guard, Reserve, and Active Service Veterans—and their families. These brave men and women have served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. Long deployments and separations from families and careers can take their toll, but this program helps by finding solutions to their individual situations. Veterans Innovations Program helps each veteran and their families find a path to stability that can include education, training, medical care, counseling and ultimately a job. Learn more about VIP
Check out The Hometown Heroes Inspiration Wall on Facebook to see why people are inspired to participate in The Hometown Heroes Raffle and support Washington's veterans.