ZIPS runs second Patriot Weekend fundraiser for Folds of Honor
The 188-location operator tied wash purchases and memberships to donations across its ZIPS, Jet Brite and Rocket Express brands from Sept. 10-13.
By The Car Wash News Staff
3 min read
ZIPS Car Wash held its second annual Patriot Weekend from Sept. 10 to 13, 2026, directing a portion of proceeds from washes across its family of brands to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that funds education scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.
The campaign spanned ZIPS, Jet Brite Car Wash and Rocket Express Car Wash locations, according to reporting from Professional Carwashing & Detailing. It marked the third year of the company's partnership with the charity, a relationship that has generated nearly $300,000 in donations over two years.
How the giving worked
ZIPS built donations into several purchase points rather than relying solely on separate fundraising. Customers who selected the $20 Premier Wash triggered a $2.50 contribution to Folds of Honor, and a share of proceeds from every wash tier across all three brands also went to the charity during the four-day event.
Membership played a role as well. Throughout September, a portion of every active ZIPS Unlimited membership is being donated to Folds of Honor, extending the campaign well beyond the weekend itself. Guests could also add a $1, $3 or $5 donation at the point of sale, with the company stating that those on-site contributions went entirely to the nonprofit.
CEO Pete Nani framed the effort around accessibility for customers and the significance of Patriot Day on Sept. 11. "Our goal is to make giving back simple and meaningful for every customer," he said. Folds of Honor founder Lt. Col. Dan Rooney credited the company's sustained support for helping military and first responder families.
Why it matters for operators
ZIPS structured this campaign in a way other multi-site operators can study. Rather than a one-off donation, the company attached giving to existing revenue streams: top-tier wash upgrades, every wash level, recurring memberships and optional point-of-sale add-ons. That approach turns routine transactions into fundraising without asking staff to run a separate event, and it spreads the giving across a full month rather than a single weekend.
The membership angle is especially notable. By tying a portion of each active ZIPS Unlimited plan to the cause for all of September, the company connects its most valuable recurring revenue to a community message. For operators, cause marketing built into memberships can reinforce retention and give subscribers an added reason to stay enrolled, provided the donation terms are communicated clearly.
Operators considering similar programs should weigh a few practical points. Point-of-sale donation prompts add friction if not handled smoothly, so training attendants and configuring pay stations in advance matters. Publishing concrete figures, such as the nearly $300,000 raised to date, builds credibility with customers who want to know their money reaches the cause. Aligning the timing with a meaningful date, in this case Patriot Day, gives the campaign a clear reason to exist and makes the ask feel purposeful rather than promotional.
A recognizable charity partner with a specific mission also helps. Folds of Honor's focus on scholarships for service member and first responder families gives customers a tangible outcome, which tends to lift participation compared with vaguer appeals.
