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Open Doors Community Tickets

Kauffman Center Welcomes 300 Veterans and First Responders

November 8, 2024

The Kauffman Center was pleased to provide complimentary tickets to 300 military service members, veterans, first responders and their families for the Kauffman Center Presents Trace Adkins: Somewhere in America concert on Oct. 26, 2024.

 

About Open Doors
Community Tickets

The Open Doors Community Tickets program presented by PNC works with local service agencies, schools and underserved communities to identify children, families and others who might not otherwise be able to attend live performing arts events. For this most recent group of recipients, the Kauffman Center staff worked with Vet Tix, a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor the service of veterans and active service members by connecting them to free or discounted event tickets.

A group of six smiling patrons pose for a photo in a row in Brandmeyer Great Hall. Two of the patrons hold a small white paper sign that reads "Vet Tix: Give Something to Those Who Gave."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Army Veteran Mandy shared that all of their family members, ages 11 to age 57, enjoyed the concert.
Photo provided by Vet Tix.

“We are so appreciative of the donation of tickets to see Trace Adkins perform last night at the Kauffman Center. It was an amazing evening witnessing his awesome performance up close. The seats were terrific. An all around 5-star evening as we approach our 50th anniversary. Thanks to the donors of these tickets and others in honor of our veterans!” – Stephen, U.S. Army Veteran

Susan, a white woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses in a black blazer and red blouse and Robert, a white man in a U.S. Army veteran black leather vests adorned with medallions and American flag patches, are both smiling and standing behind a table with a blue tablecloth, baskets with giveaway items, and American flag motifs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Susan Campain and Robert Campain celebrated the contributions of service members with a digital thank you display and giveaway items in Brandmeyer Great Hall. Photo provided by Susan Campain.

Attendees were greeted by Kauffman Center Controller Susan Campain with a Veterans Day display on Brandmeyer Great Hall. “My husband, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and I enjoy doing this. It’s important for us to recognize veterans for serving their country. We shared our thanks and appreciation, smiles, flag pins, chocolates and handshakes — all very small tokens compared to the contributions that veterans make. Appreciating our service members is important every day,” Campain said.

“Thank you Kauffman Center and Vet Tix for what you do for us veterans. Your building is amazing, the acoustics were perfect, the volunteers were numerous and Trace Adkins was awesome for your venue.” – Jay, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Inside Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Manager of Individual Giving Kelly Burt and Senior Database Administrator Nathaniel Baker welcomed audiences with a Veterans Day tribute. Baker, a veteran of the U.S. Army for eight years, including a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan, invited the audience to recognize the active-duty military members, veterans, first responders and family members in attendance.

In the foreground, four seated patrons pose for a selfie inside of Muriel Kauffman Theatre. The photographer wears a cowboy hat and camouflage shirt. In the background, dozens of other patrons take their seats in the red and orange theater seats under the silver balustrades.


U.S. Army Veteran Oscar said attending the concert was a dream come true. Photo provided by Vet Tix.

“What an awesome show in an awesome venue! Trace Adkins was absolutely fabulous, and I really enjoyed the medley of his old songs. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is absolutely amazing. The facility is top notch, the sound is fabulous and everyone on the staff was friendly and extremely helpful. I cannot wait to go back to the Kauffman Center. Thank you Vet Tix and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for the wonderful opportunity!” – Kerry, U.S. Air Force Veteran

In the foreground, four standing patrons in jeans, flannel shirts and cowboy boots pose for a photo in Brandmeyer Great Hall. One patrons holds a white paper sign that reads "Vet Tix: Give Something for Those Who Gave." In the background, the white columns and glass panels of Brandmeyer Great Hall are visible.

Sharing the Arts with Fellow Veterans

Matthew, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army, attended the performance with friends. “Thank you Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Trace Adkins and Vet Tix for a great night of country in KC! Every event at the Kauffman Center is special, and this was no exception. We had a wonderful evening with friends and so appreciated Trace’s salute to soldiers. Thank you for your generosity to service members and their families,” he said.

U.S. Army Active-Duty Service Member Matthew and his friends in Brandmeyer Great Hall.

 

Ways to Receive
Military Discounts at the
Kauffman Center

To thank veterans and military service members throughout the year, the Kauffman Center offers a 15% military discount for all Kauffman Center Presents performances. To reserve tickets using this discount, please call the Kauffman Center Ticket Office at 816.994.7222 or purchase tickets in person. Explore all upcoming performing arts experiences by visiting kauffmancenter.org/events.

 

 

 

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