TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – A well-known Mid-Hudson car wash chain is proving that community service extends beyond clean cars. Foam & Wash, which first opened in New Windsor in the 1960s, has partnered with MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet to raise funds for programs that directly benefit local veterans.
The Charity Towel Exchange
At the center of the effort is the “Charity Towel Exchange,” an initiative launched by Foam & Wash co-owner Gary Baright of Baright Enterprises. The program allows customers to purchase a branded Foam & Wash towel, designed for drying off vehicles after a wash. When the towel wears out, customers can swap it for a new one, keeping their detailing supplies fresh while contributing to a greater cause.
All proceeds from the towel exchange are donated to MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet, which provides critical support to veterans in Dutchess and Orange counties. Many drivers at Foam & Wash’s South Road location in Poughkeepsie can be seen using the towels to finish off their vehicles after going through the popular Soft Cloth Tunnel Car Wash.
Baright emphasized that the program is part of his family’s long-standing commitment to community involvement.
“The Baright family and Foam & Wash car washes have a long history in the Mid-Hudson, and this is one of the ways we are giving back – and helping our brave veterans at the same time,” Baright said.
Supporting Local Veterans
The fundraising partnership comes at a time when veterans across the region continue to face challenges, from housing instability to job placement and mental health struggles.
Alyssa Carrion, Director of Veterans Programs at MHA Dutchess and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, praised the initiative.
“We are extremely grateful to the Baright family for sponsoring this fundraising effort. These funds will go directly to supporting the needs of Dutchess and Orange County veterans through housing support, employment support, and suicide prevention services,” Carrion said.
She also extended her appreciation to Foam & Wash customers who have embraced the program, noting that every towel purchased has a direct impact on the lives of veterans who once risked their own lives for the nation.
A Community Effort With Lasting Impact
The collaboration between Foam & Wash and Vet2Vet demonstrates the power of local businesses working with nonprofits to create meaningful change. What may seem like a simple exchange of a car wash towel is, in fact, a lifeline for programs that help veterans transition back into civilian life.
By tying fundraising to a service many residents already use, the initiative ensures that giving back is simple, accessible, and ongoing. Each towel sold adds up to long-term benefits for the region’s veterans, providing support in areas that can make the difference between struggle and stability.
Foam & Wash Across the Mid-Hudson
Foam & Wash operates multiple locations across the region, with an unlimited car wash plan available at sites featuring the soft cloth tunnel wash. Those locations include:
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South Road – Poughkeepsie
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Route 9 – Wappingers Falls
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Windsor Highway – Vails Gate (New Windsor)
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Route 9 – Fishkill
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North Plank Road – Newburgh
In addition, eight other Foam & Wash car washes serve communities throughout the Mid-Hudson. For details on unlimited wash memberships and services, customers can visit the company’s official website.
Giving Back, One Towel at a Time
The towel exchange program reflects a growing trend of local businesses connecting with community organizations to make a difference. For Foam & Wash, it’s a natural extension of decades of service in the Hudson Valley.
Through this partnership with MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet, every towel purchased is more than just a tool to dry off a car — it is a symbol of gratitude, a show of support, and a reminder that the community is standing behind its veterans.
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