Meet the Team
Bag always said we're all on the same team. That's never been more true than with the people who keep Bag's Buddies running.
Our board is made up of John "Bag" Hefti's family and friends—those who knew him best. We're committed to honoring his legacy by maximizing the impact of every donation toward supporting future community leaders.
Bag's Buddies was founded by Tricia, Adam, Buzz, James Hefti, Kathleen, Julia, and Trey — family and friends determined to turn John's legacy into action.
Leadership
Trey Faulkner
Chief Executive Officer & Bag's Buddies Racing Coordinator
Trey leads the foundation's day-to-day operations while also coordinating Bag's Buddies Racing. As John's brother-in-law and Kathleen's husband, he is one of the founders of Bag's Buddies and brings energy and organizational skills to everything from strategic planning to race day logistics.
Board of Directors
Patricia Hefti
President of the Board
As John's wife, Patricia leads our foundation with love and dedication. She ensures that every aspect of Bag's Buddies reflects the values and spirit that defined her husband's life. Under her leadership, we've awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and expanded our youth sports programs across Virginia Beach.
Patricia's vision keeps us focused on what matters most: helping young athletes discover what they're capable of.
Buzz Hefti
Director Emeritus
As John's father and founding Vice President, Buzz now serves as Director Emeritus. His lifetime of perspective and steady guidance continue to shape the foundation's direction. Buzz is instrumental in connecting with the Virginia Beach community and ensuring that his son's legacy continues to grow.
Taylor Grant
Treasurer of the Board
Taylor manages the financial stewardship of Bag's Buddies with care and precision, ensuring we operate with extremely low overhead so donations have maximum impact on the young athletes we serve.
Adam Hefti
Vice President of the Board
As John's son, Adam carries forward his father's commitment to youth development. Now serving as Vice President, Adam plays a key role in guiding the foundation's strategic direction. He continues to lead our Scholarship Committee, reviewing applications and helping select recipients who truly embody the Bag's Buddies spirit.
Kathleen Faulkner
Board Member & Gala Committee Chair
Kathleen chairs our Bag's Big Bash planning committee, transforming our annual gala into an unforgettable celebration. Her attention to detail and passion for the cause have helped grow the event year after year—raising over $35,000 in 2024 alone.
Emily Shubert
Secretary of the Board
Emily serves as Secretary, managing board communications and ensuring our organizational operations run smoothly. Her dedication to the foundation's mission helps keep the team organized and focused on supporting Virginia Beach student-athletes.
Julia Chu
Board Member & Scholarship Committee
As John's sister, Julia brings a deep personal connection to the foundation's mission. She serves on the Scholarship Committee, helping select recipients who truly embody the values her brother championed.
Kelly Long
Sports Programs Director & Board Member
Kelly directs our youth sports programs, coordinating with rec centers, leagues, and community partners to get more kids in the game across Virginia Beach.
Mike Stock
Development Committee Chair & Board Member
Mike chairs our Development Committee, building the relationships and support that fuel the foundation's growth.
Leigh Anne Giblin
Board Member & Development Committee
Leigh Anne serves on the Development Committee, helping grow the community of supporters behind Bag's Buddies.
Carolyn McMinn
Acting Nominating Committee Chair & Board Member
Carolyn leads our Nominating Committee, helping build a board that reflects the values Bag lived by.
Kimo Buckon
Finance Committee & Board Member
Kimo serves on the Finance Committee, supporting the careful stewardship of every dollar donated.
Todd Cleveland
Finance Committee & Board Member
Todd serves on the Finance Committee, helping ensure donations are managed with precision and integrity.
Our Volunteers
Bag's Buddies is a small, hands-on team — and we're growing. We're actively looking for volunteers, especially for administrative support and community outreach.
Ways volunteers make a difference:
- Event Planning — Making Bag's Big Bash unforgettable
- Race Support — Cheering on our racing team at events
- Community Outreach — Spreading the word about our mission
- Youth Sports Programs — Helping distribute equipment and support families
- Administrative Support — Keeping everything running smoothly
If you can give a few hours, you're on the team. Contact us to get started.
Support Our Mission
Want to get involved with Bag's Buddies? Contact us to learn how you can make a difference for Virginia Beach student-athletes.
Make a donation | Learn about Bag
We're All on the Same Team
That's what Bag believed, and that's how we operate. Donors, volunteers, families, athletes, board members—everyone who supports Bag's Buddies is part of something bigger.
We'd love for you to join us.
Contact us | Make a donation | Learn about Bag
Together, we're keeping Bag's spirit alive and supporting the next generation of Virginia Beach student-athletes.
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.