WE KNOW SCHOOLS
DESERVE BETTER

Born and raised on a farm in northeast Ohio, Ted grew up in poverty, often skipping field trips and school events so his parents wouldn't have to face the heartbreak of saying they couldn't afford them. This firsthand experience sparked an early passion for education and a fierce belief that school should be a positive, accessible experience for every single child. Chasing this vision, he worked his way through college, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Ted launched his career with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in 1997, dedicating 11 years to teaching 7th-grade Social Studies and twice earning recognition as the Detroit News Teacher of the Week. He then spent 13 years serving as an Assistant Principal at both the middle and high school levels before taking the helm as Principal of East Middle School, where he has served for the past six years. Throughout his 28-year journey in education, Ted has made it his personal mission to create an inclusive culture where learning is fun, engaging, and barrier-free.

After decades on the front lines, Ted saw too many passionate educators burn out running low-yield fundraisers that failed to move the needle for their students. He co-founded Care Tickets to bridge that gap, turning standard school events into high-earning, effortless engines that fund the student experience. By combining his deep understanding of school budgets with his lifelong mission, Ted ensures that no student has to miss out on the moments that matter most.

Moving to Detroit as a young child, Sam grew up in poverty, stepping up at an early age to help care for his family while navigating the realities of an unfair world. To find joy amidst the struggle, he and his brothers would pool their one-dollar weekly allowances at the corner store, buying surprise bags and praying for a rare sports card.

That childhood spark never faded; even as Sam worked his way through medical school and pioneered a path for the wellness industry, he never stopped hunting for iconic gems of sports memorabilia. For Sam, it was always about chasing that unforgettable rush of excitement that comes with winning a prize of a lifetime.

When his daughter started attending East Middle School, Sam saw firsthand how severely underfunded the school was and how it impacted her classmates. Many of the students commute over an hour each way out of a sheer dedication to build a better life. Joining the PTA, he witnessed the daily struggle to scrape by and soon crossed paths with Principal Ted Younglass.

United by a shared understanding of what it means to grow up with less than limited means, they both knew there had to be a better way to support the student body. They resolved to step up the game, realizing they could lift the students' spirits and fund their dreams by introducing them to the world of elite prizes.

East Middle School's spring talent show is one of their most beloved events. The energy is always through the roof! Yet after expenses, they'd walk away with a meager $1,500 or less.

Not nearly enough to restock the art room and replace the sports uniforms that had been in rotation for three years. Definitely not enough to give the faculty encouragement for all their hard work.

Principal Ted knew the community and energy were there but something was missing. They needed a way to layer on excitement and turn that energy into real money.

That's where CareTickets came in. Instead of creating a separate fundraiser, East Middle School ran a raffle at the next talent show event. Tickets were just $5 each or five for $20.

Their first raffle prizes were (INSERT TALENT SHOW PRIZZES HERE); perfectly matched to exactly what the students care about.

Families bought handfuls of tickets between each act, and with no need to carve out extra time there was no extra hassle. One electrifying addition to something the school was already doing had the room buzzing with excitement all night.