Any idea whether buying tickets for these events is a charitable gift eligible to be used as a tax deduction? I wouldn't think so, but thought it wouldn't hurt to find out.

Edit: answer is, "it's complicated." https://www.tcfhr.org/is-the-cost-of-event-tickets-tax-deductible/#:~:text=As%20a%20general%20rule%2C%20if,of%20tangible%20value%20in%20return.