Governor Quinn Unveils New Veterans Cash Lottery Ticket

CHICAGO – November 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled the new Veterans Cash lottery ticket, a scratch-off ticket that benefits Illinois Veterans. All proceeds from the ticket go to fund rehabilitative programs and other services for Illinois’ Veterans. Since Governor Quinn championed the program in 2006, it has generated more than $8.4 million for Veterans organizations across the state.

“With Veterans’ Day coming up on Thursday, it is important that we honor the men and women who have answered the call to serve their country,” said Governor Quinn. “It is important that we do everything we can to make sure returning Veterans have access to rehabilitation programs and other important services. I encourage all Illinois residents to buy the new Veterans Cash ticket and support our Veterans.”

Proceeds from the sale of Veterans Cash tickets are deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) awards the money as grants related to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, health insurance costs, long-term care and disability benefits.

Since Governor Quinn first championed the initiative as lieutenant governor in 2006, the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund has provided 151 awards to organizations throughout the state. The grants have ranged from $2,500 for clothing, food and transportation to local VA hospitals, to $125,000 for the expansion of a Veterans’ homeless shelter.

“People always ask how they can help Veterans - one of the easiest and most effective things they can do is buy a $2 Veterans Cash ticket,” said IDVA Director Dan Grant. “Under Governor Quinn’s leadership, the Veterans Cash grant has a proven track record of providing essential funding for organizations that are helping Veterans in need.”

Acting Lottery Superintendent Jodie Winnett announced that for each $20 of non-winning Veterans Cash tickets submitted to the Lottery by players, a care package will be sent to servicemembers abroad in partnership with the USO of Illinois. For more information, please visit www.proudtogive.com.

“To date, we’ve released eight tickets into the market and raised millions to support Illinois’ Veterans,” Acting Superintendent Winnett said. “We’re excited to launch this new ticket and continue to provide important funding for Veterans across Illinois.”

Veterans Cash tickets are currently available at Illinois Lottery retail locations statewide. Each ticket costs $2 and has a top prize of $20,000. For more information visit www.illinoislottery.com, or visit the IDVA Web site at Veterans.Illinois.gov to apply for a Veterans Cash grant.