The Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to honor the memory and carry forward the legacy of an extraordinary man who touched countless lives in Virginia Beach and beyond.
How It All Started
When Captain John "Bag" Hefti, USN, passed away in 2021, his family and friends knew they had to do something. Bag had spent his life bringing people together—on sports fields, in his Navy career, and in every room he entered. The idea of that spirit fading was unthinkable.
So they created Bag's Buddies.
What began as a heartfelt tribute has grown into a thriving foundation. We've now awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes who remind us of Bag—young people who work hard, bring joy to their teams, and understand that we're all in this together.
Read the full story of Bag's life and legacy
Our Mission
We provide scholarship support and youth sports grants to Virginia Beach student-athletes who exemplify the qualities that defined Bag's life:
- Excellence in Athletics — Dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship that inspires teammates
- Academic Achievement — Balancing athletic pursuits with success in the classroom
- Community Leadership — Giving back and lifting others up
- Team Spirit — Understanding that true success is always shared
The Three Pillars
Everything we do connects back to Bag's philosophy:
Play Hard
Bag never did anything halfway. Whether coaching Little League or serving his country, he gave everything he had. We look for student-athletes who bring that same intensity—not just to games, but to practice, to school, and to life.
Have Fun
Bag's laugh could fill a stadium. He reminded everyone that even the hard work should be enjoyed. Our scholarship recipients bring positive energy to their teams and find joy in the journey—not just the wins.
Same Team
This was Bag's signature phrase, and maybe the most important lesson he taught. We're all in this together. The students we support understand that lifting others up is what real leadership looks like.
Our Impact So Far
Since 2021, Bag's Buddies has:
- Awarded scholarships to dozens of Virginia Beach student-athletes
- Supported students attending colleges and universities across the country
- Provided youth sports grants to families facing financial barriers
- Built a growing community of "Bag's Buddies" alumni who continue giving back
- Hosted annual events bringing together hundreds of community members
Meet our 2025 scholarship recipients
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
Bag's Buddies is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 87-2984176). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We're committed to transparency—every dollar you give goes toward supporting young athletes.
Join the Team
There are many ways to become part of the Bag's Buddies family:
- Apply for a Scholarship — Are you a Virginia Beach senior who plays hard, has fun, and lives the team mentality?
- Request a Youth Sports Grant — Need help covering registration, equipment, or uniforms?
- Make a Donation — Your gift directly supports scholarships and youth sports grants
- Join Bag's Buddies Racing — Run with us and race for a cause
- Attend Bag's Big Bash — Join us for our annual celebration of student-athletes
- Volunteer with Us — Help with events, outreach, or scholarship review
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.