The Hot Tubs for Heroes program, launched in 2015, has grown into an initiative for veterans nationwide. The initiative began as a local effort in partnership with Spa Palace in Colorado Springs. Garrett Guinivan, an Army Reservist at the time, was inspired by his involvement with the charity Wish for Our Heroes, a group dedicated to fulfilling the needs of veterans. After a request for a spa donation for a veteran in Colorado Springs, Guinivan partnered with Mike Wiege, president of Spa Palace, to make it happen, and Hot Tubs for Heroes was born.
Spa Palace’s proximity to military bases made it a natural fit for this kind of giving, and its involvement grew, with multiple spa donations to veterans in the area.
“Mike [Wiege] was always passionate about helping veterans,” Guinivan says. “Without their support and vision, the program would have never happened.”
In 2016, Sundance Spas joined the effort and took the program nationwide. Since then, Sundance and Hot Tubs for Heroes have fulfilled nearly 100 spa wishes for veterans.
Hydrotherapy can provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by veterans’ injuries suffered in service. The heat, buoyancy and jet massage in these hot tubs can also improve circulation and support tissue repair while reducing stress through relaxation.
“I love seeing the impact on the well-being of veterans and their families,” Guinivan says. “With this type of pain management, veterans can be more active with their families, communities and in their day-to-day lives.”
With this type of pain management, veterans can be more active with their families, communities and in their day-to-day lives.”
Garrett Guinivan, Hot Tubs for Heroes
Many local spa retailers have embraced the program. The Spa and Sauna Co. in Nevada has donated six hot tubs since joining the initiative in 2018. The team not only takes pride in voting on the recipients but the program also strengthens bonds within the company and the community.
“We have met so many wonderful people through this program and to be able to enhance their lives with hydrotherapy is very meaningful to our entire team, the recipients and the greater community,” says Laura Varnon, marketing and special project manager at The Spa and Sauna Co.
New England Spas, another key partner, has donated 13 spas to veterans through the program.
“The feedback we’ve received from veterans has been incredibly rewarding — they’ve shared how the spas help relieve pain, improve sleep, offer a space to bond with family members and ultimately enhance their quality of life,” says Ginny Nolan, brand manager at New England Spas. “Our staff feels incredibly proud to be part of this program, knowing that we’re making a difference in the lives of military veterans and their families.”
