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Program Description

Immediate Seating is an innovative program run by ActionAIDS' Development Department that receives donations of free tickets to area entertainment events and then provides them for free to people with AIDS. The tickets are made available on a first-come, first-served basis. We help answer the question, "What am I going to do tonight?"

One of life's smallest problems has an innovative and easy solution. People with HIV disease are living longer, healthier, more productive lives than ever. We at Immediate Seating believe the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, even if only for one evening, is enriched through participating in enjoyable shared experiences. We receive complimentary tickets, passes and reserved seating from numerous Delaware Valley corporations, organizations, ticket agents, promoters, producers, venues and performers as well as generous individual donors like you!

How Does It Work?

The Development Department at ActionAIDS produces one of the city's most innovative programs. The department solicits gifts of seats/tickets from theaters, special events, music performances, and sports events. If it's happening in Philadelphia, we try to get tickets for it. These tickets are then made available to people with AIDS on a first-come, first-served basis.

• A person living with HIV/AIDS contacts Immediate Seating at (215) 981-3362 to inquire about tickets or passes to upcoming area events.
• The caller listens to a recording of available events, dates and times and writes his or her selection down.
• A courteous volunteer assists the caller in reserving tickets or passes to upcoming area events.
• Tickets are available at the box office in time for the event, or in some cases, can be picked up at our Center City office (1216 Arch Street - 6th Floor).
• All services are free of charge.

We are very excited to announce we are launching a new computer database...the main difference for you - everyone will have a membership number assigned to them. Please ask our volunteers for your membership number, then remember it for every time you call. We will be able to retrieve your record by first name, last initial or membership #, these will, in turn, be linked to your telephone number. Therefore please use the same name and phone number each time you call. This will enable us to serve you better. Thank you for your patience in this transitional period.

To view current events and ticket opportunities, please see the Immediate Seating website.

Immediate Seating Policies:

• Only people with HIV/AIDS are permitted to use the system.
• Each caller can reserve 2 tickets per event.
• Each caller can reserve up to a maximum of 2 events per week.
• Callers who reserve tickets but can't make performances must call Immediate Seating to cancel their reservations at least one day before the performance (during Immediate Seating hours).
• Callers are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations are only accepted by phoning (215) 981-3362 during Immediate Seating hours.
• Sorry, Immediate Seating cannot accommodate groups.

Because of the high volume of calls, and because the telephone helpers are all volunteers, we ask callers to be patient, to understand when the line is busy, and to be courteous when talking to a volunteer. We ask all callers to listen to the recording of available events and write down their choices before they speak with a volunteer.

How do I Volunteer To Help With Immediate Seating?

Job duties: Provide phone assistance to manage our free ticket program for people living with HIV disease.

Job requirements: