SAN DIEGO — In a resounding demonstration of community-driven compassion, Sport Clips Haircuts announced today that its 2025 “Help A Hero” campaign raised $1.22 million to support veterans and service members pursuing higher education. The announcement, punctuated by a check presentation at VFW Post 1774, highlights a growing movement of businesses leading from the heart to support those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Since 2013, Sport Clips has contributed more than $16 million to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) scholarship program. For Heartitude—a benefit corporation and movement dedicated to fostering kindness, compassion, and empathy—this milestone is a vivid example of the “unseen ripples” created when a brand aligns its mission with the genuine needs of others.
“Transitioning into civilian life is more than a logistical shift; it is a deeply human experience that requires the empathy of the community,” said Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude. “When Sport Clips provides thousands of free haircuts and raises over a million dollars, they aren’t just giving away services or money—they are acknowledging the dignity of our veterans and offering the compassion needed to help them navigate their next chapter. That is the essence of what we call ‘Heartitude.'”
The “Help A Hero” scholarships address a critical gap for the roughly 200,000 service members who transition annually, many of whom find that traditional GI Bill benefits are exhausted before they complete their degrees or trade certifications.
“We are incredibly grateful to our clients, product partners, franchisees, and dedicated stylists whose generosity and commitment made this year’s campaign another success,” said Gordon Logan, founder and chairman of Sport Clips and a U.S. Air Force veteran. “Their support is making a real impact.”
VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore emphasized the transformative nature of this heart-led investment. “Together, we are doing more than just paying for classes; we are honoring the service of these men and women by empowering them to lead in the workforce,” Whitmore said.
From the Heartitude perspective, this partnership serves as a call to action for other businesses to “Go Give It” by finding intentional ways to alleviate the burdens of those around them. By treating every veteran with kindness and providing the financial tools for a second career, Sport Clips and the VFW are building a legacy of support that strengthens the collective humanity of our communities.