GEORGETOWN, Texas – Sport Clips Haircuts has launched its annual "Help A Hero" campaign to raise $1.5 million through November 16, in support of the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program. The campaign funds scholarships for veterans and service members making the transition from military to civilian careers, with 100 percent of donations going toward education funding.
Michael Baun, U.S. Air Force veteran and two-time scholarship recipient pursuing a master’s degree in clinical health counseling at Appalachian State University.Today through Veterans Day, donations to the program can be made at checkout when clients come in for a haircare service. Donations can also be made online, or via a new, easier option to text “HEROVFW” to 53555. On Veterans Day, participating Sport Clips locations will also donate $2 from every paid haircut service, and many will offer free haircuts to veterans and active-duty military.
Founded in 2013 in response to the increasing need for veteran education assistance beyond GI Bill benefits, the Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship program has grown to become the largest of its kind. Spearheaded by Sport Clips Founder and Air Force veteran Gordon Logan, the initiative has already provided more than 3,000 scholarships totaling nearly $14 million for veterans seeking post-military education.
“Our stylists and clients are at the heart of this initiative with eighty percent of our annual donations coming from our generous clients,” said Logan. “It’s an honor to support those who have served our country as part of our commitment to thank our nation’s heroes and give back to the military community.”
“Surveys show the major challenges for veterans transitioning out of their military careers and stepping back into civilian life are finding a job, parting ways with their friends in the military and finding a purposeful career. One in five veterans says a lack of funds has prevented them from pursuing their educational goals,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “So, getting a haircut and making a donation is a simple but powerful way to help veterans succeed.”
Help A Hero scholarships provide up to $5,000 per semester to help cover tuition and fees. Veterans from all branches with a rank of E-5 and below are eligible, with funds sent directly to the educational institution of their choice. For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit SportClips.com/Hero.
Key Facts:
- Goal: Raise $1.5 million through November 16
- 100% of donations go to veteran scholarships
- Sport Clips will donate $2 for every paid haircut on Nov. 11, with many locations offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members
- Nearly $14 million raised and scholarships awarded since 2013
- Scholarships up to $5,000 per semester for veterans and service members with the rank of E-5 and below
###
About Sport Clips Haircuts
Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check infor clients, and ranks #44 in the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” for 2024 and was named a 2024 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. There are almost 1,900 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and was named a 2021 Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur. Sport Clips provides “Haircuts with Heart” through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed $14 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, and partners with other NCAA and professional sports teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit sportclips.com.