Hot Tubs of Tennessee donation brings WWIA support past $60,000
The Tennessee retailer’s May fundraiser adds $10,000 for WWIA outdoor programs serving combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
2 min read
Hot Tubs of Tennessee has donated another $10,000 to the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation, pushing the retailer’s total support for combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans past $60,000 since 2016, WWIA announced. The Hot Tubs of Tennessee donation connects a Tennessee business’s annual sales campaign with outdoor programs aimed at veterans dealing with service-connected wounds.
The gift came from the company’s May fundraiser, an annual effort that sets aside $100 from each sale of a hot tub, Endless Pool swim spa, Tylo sauna or cold plunge during the month. This year’s campaign again generated $10,000 for WWIA.
Steve Ruscigno, chief executive of Hot Tubs of Tennessee, said the company’s support reflects appreciation for U.S. service members and credited customers with making the fundraiser possible. The company has also received WWIA’s Purple Heart Patron Award, a recognition tied to its long-running support of the foundation.
How does the Hot Tubs of Tennessee donation work?
The fundraiser is tied directly to May sales at Hot Tubs of Tennessee: each qualifying product sold produces a $100 contribution to WWIA. The model gives the company a recurring annual structure rather than a one-time charitable gift.
WWIA is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Apollo Beach, Florida, and is marking its 20th year of service. Its programs use hunting, fishing and other adaptive outdoor activities to bring Purple Heart recipients together for multi-day events focused on camaraderie, confidence and connection with local communities.
Most WWIA events serve three to five veterans over several days, according to the foundation. The nonprofit says participants may be living with traumatic brain injury, limb loss, post-traumatic stress or other combat-related wounds, and that its events are designed to create space for shared experience and support.
John McDaniel, WWIA’s founder and chief executive, said Hot Tubs of Tennessee’s backing has helped create opportunities for healing, purpose and lasting friendships among participating veterans. He described the company as a long-term partner as the foundation continues its work with combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients.
Hot Tubs of Tennessee was founded in September 2003 in Lebanon, Tennessee, under the former name Hot Spring Spas of Music City. The 100% employee-owned company operates six Tennessee showrooms in Lebanon, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Crossville, Germantown and Knoxville, with more than 30 associates.
The company’s continued giving places a local retail fundraiser inside the broader field of veteran-focused philanthropy. WWIA’s therapeutic outdoor programs for Purple Heart veterans are structured around small groups, outdoor recreation and peer connection rather than large public events.