The Freedom Rock Comes To Lottery Tix

We’re teaming up with the artist of an Iowa landmark for the latest instant-scratch game that will raise money to support veterans and their families through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund!

In May, I introduced you here to Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, a Greenfield artist who paints a huge boulder near his Adair County hometown with patriotic images each year as a tribute to our nation’s veterans. The 56-ton rock is now called The Freedom Rock™ and it’s become a destination for visitors from around the world.

Almost as soon as the lottery gained authorization last year to begin producing games to benefit veterans, people started telling us that we should put The Freedom Rock on those tickets. We met with Bubba and Maria Sorensen in mid-2008 and reached an agreement with them late last year to put The Freedom Rock on our tickets.

It’s been quite a process – Bubba has never shared the idea for his artwork with anyone in advance before, but we had to have artwork from him this winter before he even started painting. Then as soon as he got to work this spring, we went to Greenfield to shoot photos and video of the 56-ton boulder. It’s been fascinating to watch Bubba’s creation from start to finish. His art is truly inspiring and we’re honored to showcase his work while we help Iowa veterans at the same time.

Ticket sales have started today in “The Freedom Rock” game. Players can win up to 10 times on each $2 ticket and prizes in the game range from $2 to $7,777.

The next pull-tab game to benefit the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund begins sales next Monday (July 20). It’s a $1 game called “Red, White & Blue” that features artwork on its tickets of several patriotic symbols, including the bald eagle and Liberty Bell.

To learn more about the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, click here.