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.

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 a close friend of the family, he 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.

James Hefti

Treasurer of the Board

As John's brother, James manages the financial stewardship of Bag's Buddies with care and precision. He ensures that we operate with extremely low overhead so that 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.

Our Volunteers

Bag's Buddies is powered by an amazing team of volunteers who show up—just like Bag always did.

Our volunteers help with:

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

Every volunteer is part of the team. We couldn't do this work without them.

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.

Together, we're keeping Bag's spirit alive and supporting the next generation of Virginia Beach student-athletes.

Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.

The Team