“You’ve Been Ticketed” program to benefit area youth

Purple Aces team up with several local entities

 The University of Evansville Athletics Department is teaming up with the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh Country Sheriff’s Office, G.D. Ritzy’s, Vectren Corporation and Toyota Indiana to start a program called “You’ve Been Ticketed”.

“You’ve Been Ticketed” will see police officers and sheriff’s deputies in the Evansville area giving out “tickets” to local youth as a reward for exhibiting good behavior, displaying a positive attitude and making right choices.  This program is an important way for youth and law enforcement to strengthen their relationship in a unique and lasting way.

“The Purple Aces are excited to team up with such a great group of agencies and businesses to start the “You’ve Been Ticketed” program,” UE Director of Revenue Development John Rodgers said.  “We know that this will be a big positive for the Evansville community while rewarding our local kids for their good behavior.”

Each “ticket” is good for a free single scoop of ice cream at G.D. Ritzy’s as well as one free youth and adult admission to any Purple Aces home athletic contest throughout the year.  The Aces athletic tickets are courtesy of Vectren Corporation and Toyota Indiana.  Tickets will be issued to kids beginning in early November.

“I am excited to be a part of a program that puts a positive spin between the youth in our community and law enforcement,” Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding said.  “As a community leader, I love to see this type of interaction and know it will be a great program.”

Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin echoed those sentiments.

“I think this is a great way for law enforcement agencies to partner up and provide a positive experience for children in our community,” Bolin said.  “This program will also help us to build a relationship with our youth, which is extremely important.”

Media sponsors in Evansville have graciously donated airtime for a public service announcement to promote the initiative.  Townsquare Radio stations 99.5 WKDQ, 103 GBF and 106.1 KISS FM will broadcast radio commercials while WEHT and WTVW TV will also televise commercials promoting the cause.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“This program brings our youth and police and sheriffs together in a positive way that will result in good relationships and experiences.  Thank you for letting us be a part of this community event!” – Dan Grunow – Owner – G.D. Ritzy’s

“This campaign is a unique way to communicate to children and teens the value of doing the right thing and helping others.  Too often we focus on the negative.  “You’ve Been Ticketed” emphasizes the positive!” – Gary Jossa – Select Media (Advertising agency for G.D. Ritzy’s)

“We’ve developed a strong and beneficial relationship with Chief Bolin over the years through our partnership with 911 Gives Hope, which made the decision to jump on board with the You’ve Been Ticketed Program an easy one. Much like Chief Bolin, Townsquare Media is passionate about the success of the Evansville community, and that certainly starts with the young people who we hope to see become future leaders in the area, and take pride in their hometown. We believe the potential impact of the You’ve Been Ticketed Program will not only be beneficial to the students themselves by showing them the value in making good decisions, but to the community has a whole for many years to come. We appreciate Chief Bolin, the Choose Not to Lose Program, and the University of Evansville for allowing us to be a small part of it.” – Ryan O’Bryan – Brand Manager – Townsquare Media

“This program will have a positive influence on a young person’s life on several levels.  It reinforces good behavior while strengthening police and community relations, and it provides a bonding opportunity for the child and parent.  We at Toyota are proud to partner in this program.” - Toyota Indiana spokeswoman Karen Johnston

“As we remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our customer base, Vectren is proud to partner with the Evansville Police Department, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Toyota and the Aces on efforts to strengthen the relationship between youth and law enforcement in Evansville,” said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana South. “The “You’ve Been Ticketed” program will help to recognize positive behaviors exhibited by the young people in our community and encourage others to follow suit.” – Brad Ellsworth – President of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana South