Governor Quinn Unveils New Veterans Cash Lottery Ticket

CHICAGO – November 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today launched the Illinois Lottery’s 2011 Veterans Cash lottery game. All the proceeds from the sale of these tickets benefit Illinois Veterans. Proceeds from ticket sales help pay for medical care, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, disability benefits, and housing assistance services for Illinois Veterans.

“The men and women who selflessly volunteered to defend our freedom overseas should not return home to fight for benefits and the care they need,” Governor Quinn said. “I encourage everyone to purchase a Veterans Cash ticket that will help our heroes get valuable medical care and other assistance.”

Veterans Cash is the Illinois Lottery’s first ticket where 100 percent of the net proceeds support Illinois’ Veterans. Since its inception, Veterans Cash has made cash awards to more than 75 organizations supporting Veterans throughout the state. Governor Quinn first launched the program in 2006, and Veterans Cash has since awarded more than $9.5 million to Veterans’ organizations statewide.

Proceeds from the sale of this ticket are deposited in the Illinois Veterans’ Assistance Fund. The General Assembly appropriates this money solely to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), which awards the money as grants that fund additional services and conducts research relating to post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, medical expenses, long term care and disability benefits.

”This year alone we’ve awarded over $524,925 in grants to Veterans’ organizations providing crucial services to Veterans and their families,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “Veterans Cash is a wonderful way to give back to the men and women who risked their lives in defense of our freedoms. This program was first developed by Governor Quinn, and it has been a tremendous success for the state and the Lottery.”

Veterans Cash is currently available at Illinois Lottery retail locations throughout the state. Each ticket costs $3 and the game has a top instant prize of $40,000. For every five non-winning Veterans Cash tickets returned to the Lottery, a care package will be sent to service unit abroad.

“I’d urge all Illinoisans to buy a Veterans Cash instant ticket. Scratch it to win; give it to a Veteran to try his or her luck, or drop it off at a Veterans’ center,” Michael Jones, Illinois Lottery Superintendent said. “Whether you win or lose, remember that your losses will help your neighbors, friends, relatives or that Veteran of WWII or Afghanistan you just passed on the street. Buy and give, or buy and play – either way, we all win.”

For more information on Veterans Cash please visit www.illinoislottery.com. To apply for a Veterans Cash grant, visit the IDVA website at Veterans.Illinois.gov.