JOY is the Goat

VeeFriends is launching an enhanced version of The Drawing Board on Whatnot, where artists create designs live that are instantly printed on products available for purchase during the stream. **Key Details:** - First stream: Thursday, April 17 at 10AM ET - First product: Limited edition ceramic mug - New buyers get $15 off with code VF15 **How to Join:** 1. Download Whatnot app or visit website 2. Follow VeeFriends channel 3. Set stream reminder [Join the stream](https://www.whatnot.com/live/8903d951-4ab1-4059-b523-03361d048a24)

The New Jersey Fives, owned by GaryVee and Ryan Harwood, are kicking off the 2025 Major League Pickleball season in Orlando, Florida from April 24-27. Coming off their 2024 Championship victory, the team is ready for another exciting season. - **Free tickets** available for Series 2 Competitive Clown holders and THE Pickleball Scene collectible holders (claim by April 21st) - **15% discount** available for VeeFriends community members using code NJFIVES15 - Event takes place all four days at the league's opening tournament [Get tickets here](https://www.tixr.com/groups/ppa/events/mlp-orlando-125493) or email support@veefriends.com for free holder tickets.

The Topps VeeFriends Chrome 2025 presales concluded successfully, with Series 1 holders securing hobby boxes at $99.99 during their 24-hour window and public presale via Topps EQL draw seeing strong demand. The release features 100 VeeFriends characters and includes rare inserts like Manga Speckle, ERUPT!, Y2K, and Game On. Additional opportunities to purchase will be available on May 7th through retail stores and hobby shops. The set also includes 1/1 sketch cards created by 9 community members. VeeFriends comic books are launching with issue #1, featuring cover art by J. Scott Campbell.

VeeFriends announces Eruption 21, a burn-to-attend event starting March 25, 2025. **Key details**: - VeeFriends Series 1 holders can burn 3 BOOK GAMES NFTs for exclusive access - Limited to 50 spots for Chrome and Cocktails event in Orlando with GaryVee - Includes Topps Chrome card packs and Collect-A-Con ticket - Holders can burn twice (6 tokens) to bring a +1 and double prizes - Event celebrates Topps x VeeFriends Chrome trading card collaboration *Event requires ID verification and participants under 18 need guardian accompaniment.* [Register here](https://veefriends.com/experiences/burn-island/03-25-2025-chrome-and-cocktails)

VeeFriends announces partnership with Lee Enterprises to bring their comics to 72 markets across 25 states. Starting February 23rd, readers can enjoy characters like Optimistic Otter and Curious Crane in both print and digital formats every Sunday throughout 2025. The VeeFriends Comics team, led by D.J. Coffman, will create content live on YouTube and Whatnot, allowing fan interaction and submissions. Readers can find their local participating publication at [lee.net/markets](https://lee.net/markets). Key Features: - Weekly comics in print and digital formats - Live drawing sessions on YouTube - Fan submission opportunities - Available in 72 local markets

Just two days before VeeFriends' launch in May 2021, Gary Vaynerchuk made a pivotal decision to change the brand's mascot from Capable Caterpillar to Very, Very, Very, Very, Lucky Black Cat. The black cat was chosen to represent misunderstood potential and challenge traditional superstitions. Its design includes a subtle NJ reference in its legs and tail, honoring Gary's New Jersey roots. Key aspects of the mascot: - Represents duality and balance - Symbolizes turning perceived negatives into positives - Embodies the philosophy that luck is a mindset, not chance This last-minute change aligned perfectly with VeeFriends' core mission of embracing contradictions and finding opportunity in challenges.

The VeeFriends New Year, New You Mystery Collection launched on Whatnot, featuring collectible pins, keychains, and motivational challenge discs inspired by 12 VeeFriends characters. Each $25 Mini Box contains: - One pin (in 6 rarity tiers) - One character keychain - One motivational challenge disc Series 1 Spectacular NFT holders can claim one sealed case per eligible NFT until January 23. The collection aims to promote growth and goal-setting for 2025. Other updates: - Episode 16 of VeeFriends Cartoons premieres January 18 - OG Collectors Private Streams announced for January 27-28 - VeeMinders community initiative relaunches with new leadership

In the latest VeeFriends cartoon episode, Gracious Grizzly learns valuable lessons about friendship when Bad Intentions convinces him to play harmful pranks on Empathy Elephant. Initially going along with the pranks, Grizzly feels increasingly uneasy as his friend becomes upset. During a VeeDome Taste Testing Battle, Grizzly realizes hurting others isn't fun and chooses to apologize to Empathy Elephant, who forgives him. The episode demonstrates how true friends bring out the best in each other.

VeeFriends expanded its Minis collection with Seasons 3 & 4, introducing 20 new characters and the ultra-rare Golden Gary Bee Mini. The metallic Golden Gary Bee offers holders a chance to win a VIP trip to New York Comic Con 2025. The new seasons feature characters like Accountable Ant and Balanced Beetle, with special variants including Blizzard (/299), Polar Vortex (/99), and the one-of-a-kind Snowflake editions. A new Collectors Case was also introduced for $25 through approved vendors.

VeeFriends had a transformative 2024 marked by major milestones: - Launched VeeFriends Cartoons on YouTube Kids with Moonbug Entertainment - Released first children's book 'Meet Me in the Middle' - Hosted VeeCon 2024 in Los Angeles - Established partnerships with Topps, Funko, and Get Maine Lobster - Expanded globally with retail presence in Australia, Canada and UK - Released multiple collectible lines including FriendsCaps, 555 Collection, and VeeFriends Minis - Introduced sanctioned tournaments for VeeFriends Trading Card Game - Announced Gift Goat #18 private event for Big Game 2025 The year demonstrated steady growth in community engagement and brand development across entertainment, retail and events.