Our Mission

Mission Statement:

EB and Johnny’s ‘Ticket to the Game’ is dedicated to creating life-changing experiences by providing unique opportunities for individuals of all ages who may not have the means to attend a sporting event. Our mission is to make the impossible possible by offering once-in-a-lifetime or first-in-a-lifetime experiences to as many people as we can.

We strive to foster a “Pay it Forward” mentality, encouraging recipients to spread kindness and generosity within their communities. By providing opportunities to attend games, whether at home or away, we bring joy and excitement to individuals and families, all while emphasizing the importance of earning and valuing these experiences.

We believe in the power of community support and aim to inspire friends, family, and neighbors to come together in making dreams come true. Through this program, we educate our winners on the significance of hard work and perseverance, ensuring that each opportunity is both a reward and a lesson in the value of dedication.

A Message from the CEO

Board of Directors

Eric Berry – CEO/ Director

Eric Berry is a dynamic entrepreneur, accomplished basketball coach, and respected community leader based in Lyndonville, Vermont. A 1991 graduate of Lyndon State College, Berry earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Sports Management and Broadcast Journalism, while excelling as a standout athlete. As captain of the men’s basketball team during his senior year, he scored over 500 points and was named team MVP. In recognition of his collegiate achievements, he was inducted into the Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

At Lyndon Institute from 1983 to 1985, Berry set school records for most assists and steals in both a single season and over a career—records that still stand today.

Berry began his coaching career shortly after college, taking over the boys’ basketball program at Lyndon Institute from 1992 to 1999. He quickly made his mark with a talent for developing raw potential and instilling core values of hard work, accountability, and teamwork.

In 2000, Berry returned to his alma mater to lead the Lyndon State College men’s basketball team. Over six seasons, he guided the Hornets to a 99–66 record, their first-ever conference championship, and a historic appearance in the NAIA National Championships during the 2000–2001 season—the only such appearance in program history. In 2005, he was named Sunrise Conference Coach of the Year. His leadership extended far beyond the court, as he mentored student-athletes and built a culture of pride, performance, and sportsmanship.

More recently, Berry returned to Lyndon Institute to coach the girls’ varsity basketball team. As head coach, he brought his signature passion, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to player development to a new generation. In 2017, he led the girls’ team to its first-ever Division II State Championship. That same year, he was named Vermont Basketball Coaches Association (VBCA) Division II Coach of the Year, and he has been recognized multiple times as Capital League Coach of the Year. His ability to coach both boys and girls at the varsity level is a testament to his adaptability, leadership, and lasting impact on Vermont youth sports.

Outside of coaching, Berry is the founder and CEO of the Northeast Sports Network (NSN), a pioneering live-streaming company specializing in high school and college athletics across New England. Since its launch in 2006, NSN has grown under his leadership to broadcast thousands of events annually, serving as a vital platform for local sports coverage.

Berry has also found success in business, previously owning and operating multiple Subway franchises through his company, Jade Cam Subway Inc. His entrepreneurial drive and dedication to community development have earned him several honors, including Vermont Media Person of the Year (2009) and Entrepreneur of the Year from the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce.

Eric Berry resides in Lyndonville with his wife, Meridith. He is the proud father of two grown children, Jade and Cam, and grandfather to Lylah and Archer. Whether on the court, in the broadcast booth, or within the community, Berry’s life reflects a deep commitment to leadership, mentorship, and building strong, values-driven programs that enrich lives and inspire success.

Jordan Royer

Jordan Royer is a seasoned marketing professional based in Vermont, with a strong background in media production and brand development. He currently serves as the Marketing Manager at ReArch Company, a construction and development firm headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont. In this role, Royer collaborates closely with the Director of Marketing and the Business Development team to enhance the company’s brand presence. His responsibilities include developing multimedia content, graphic design, marketing collateral, and brand-building initiatives.

Prior to his tenure at ReArch, he spent over a decade at Northeast Sports Network (NSN), a Vermont-based sports streaming company. Serving in multiple roles throughout his time at NSN, he was instrumental in managing media production for the network, contributing to its growth in covering over 3,000 sporting events annually.

Royer’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Lyndon State College where he played four seasons on the baseball team, and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University . He resides in Shelburne, Vermont, with his wife and five children. Outside of his professional endeavors, Royer enjoys exploring nature with his family, coaching youth sports, hunting and mountain biking. 

Tammy Rainville

Tammy Rainville moved to the NEK from Michigan in the 8th grade. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, where she was a member of state championship teams in basketball and softball. She would also play Field Hockey and Soccer during her time as a Hilltopper.

Tammy would then go on to play basketball at Pine Manor College before completing her degree at Lyndon State, where she played basketball, soccer, and softball. Lyndon State
inducted Tammy into the hall of fame for all three sports.

After her playing days, Tammy realized her love for working and connecting with young people. She began a career in athletics that spanned two decades and included work with elementary, middle school, and high school students.

During her time as Girls Varsity Coach at Danville, the program would win three state championships in a four year period. She was named coach of the year multiple times. She would later serve as Athletic Director at Danville
School for six years, always working to help better the experience for student-athletes and coaches. Her first coaching opportunity was at Lyndon Institute where she started as a 9th
grade coach and decades later she would serve the program as a varsity assistant coach.

During her coaching career, Tammy was an active board member of the Vermont Basketball
Coaches Association. She is married to Scott Rainville and has two sons, Patrick and Brady.

Vincent U. Maloney

Vincent U. Maloney is a dedicated leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, enrollment management, and athletics. With a passion for fostering growth and community engagement, Vincent has spent his career championing opportunities for students and athletes alike. His extensive background in recruitment, fundraising, and organizational leadership has made a significant impact on institutions and the individuals he serves.

A former collegiate basketball coach, Vincent understands the profound influence that sports can have on personal development, teamwork, and leadership. As a coach at Lyndon State College, he guided teams to national tournament appearances and mentored student-athletes both on and off the court, ensuring their academic and athletic success. His commitment to empowering young people extends beyond athletics, as demonstrated in his work directing
enrollment and fundraising efforts at Columbia College, where he increased student engagement and institutional support.

Vincent’s passion for sports began early in his life. As a high school athlete, he was a key
member of the only team in Whitcomb High School’s history to win a Division III basketball championship. His success continued at the collegiate level, where he was part of the 2001
Men’s Basketball team that competed in the NAIA National Championship Tournament. That team has since been inducted into the Lyndon State Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting impact on the school’s athletic history. These experiences cemented his belief in the
power of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values that continue to guide his
professional and personal endeavors.

Vincent holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia College and a
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Lyndon State College. His experience in both the
athletic and academic arenas fuels his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for education, mentorship, and community building.
Now bringing his expertise to the non-profit sector, Vincent is committed to leveraging his leadership skills to create opportunities for underserved youth, ensuring that sports remain an accessible and transformative tool for personal growth and success. His ability to build
relationships, drive strategic initiatives, and inspire others makes him a valuable advocate for any sports-based charitable mission.

Randy Rathburn

Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Lyndon State College (NVU-Lyndon) and is a Certified Athletic Administrator (NIAAA).  He is the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union (Cabot, Danville, Twinfield) Athletic Director.  Randy has coached several sports at the youth through collegiate level, is an active basketball and soccer official and on many Vermont Principals Association committees.  

Randy lives in Danville with his wife Jeniane and daughters Molly and Sydney. He enjoys live music (especially Pearl Jam), the New York Yankees and spending time with his family.

Bob McCabe

Bob McCabe brings a lifelong commitment to education, service, and student success. He served for 28 years at Lyndon State College as Director of Upward Bound and Student Support Services, programs dedicated to supporting low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. His earlier career included academic advising and coaching roles at the University of Minnesota and Rollins College in Florida.

A former Peace Corps volunteer, Bob served in Yap District, Micronesia, and also volunteered at the Red Cloud Indian School in South Dakota. His dedication to youth development extended into athletics—Bob played four years of Division II baseball at Rollins College, earning All-South Conference and Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1973. He later coached baseball at Rollins for two years and served as assistant basketball coach for the Micronesia national team during the 1975 South Pacific Games in Guam.

In recognition of his athletic achievements, Bob was inducted into the Bristol, Connecticut Athletic Hall of Fame. His diverse experience in education, athletics, and community service enriches his contributions as a board member.

Photo of Eric & Johnny at Fenway Park


ACT NOW: If you know someone who would benefit from this program, please consider forwarding them the application link or even filling it out on their behalf, so they can receive this gift anonymously. The application process is simple, requiring just a few questions and a brief explanation of why the individual or family should be considered.

A Message from CEO Eric Berry

Honoring Johnny Allen

When my best friend and brother, Johnny Allen, and I launched this program in 2011, our primary goal was to give kids the chance to attend their first professional sporting event. We envisioned growing the program to offer that same opportunity to anyone who had never had the means or chance to see their favorite team play live.

Life had its challenges—both of us juggling two jobs, and Johnny’s battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia—but we were determined to make this dream a reality. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take EB and Johnny’s Ticket to the Game as far as we wanted during that time.

After a period of dormancy, I am now committed to honoring Johnny, who passed away on June 2nd, 2023. Johnny was not just a great coach but a mentor to so many, young and old. In his memory, I want to revive this program and turn it into a go-to resource for sports enthusiasts and families alike to experience the joy of attending a live game.

While we aim to help as many people as possible, we recognize that we may not be able to fulfill every request—but we will certainly try our best. EB and Johnny’s Ticket to the Game is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising the funds needed to continue Johnny’s legacy, stay true to our mission, and bring fans to sports venues around the world.