About Us
Honoring Heroes, Supporting Families, Building Community
MORE THAN A MISSION
Our Story
The Story Behind the Name:
It is often said that "We grieve because we love. How lucky we are to have experienced that love."
Honoring our fallen heroes, both those who have served and those who protect our local communities, is a vital act of remembrance and gratitude. It is our duty to recognize their sacrifices, not only at a national level but also within our local communities and at a personal level. Community involvement has a crucial role in honoring our heroes. It allows us to collectively express our appreciation and uphold the values our heroes embodied.
We count our blessings that we are lucky enough to stand together and carry out this amazing mission to fight for those families. It is with that strong holding bond that we breathed life into our tag line:
"Let United Compassion Keep You℠"
Finding ways to honor those who have fought for our country, as well as those that serve and protect our local communities, is an important part of recognizing the sacrifice these men and women make. Community involvement is essential in recognizing the sacrifice. However, it also allows families to pass down the message of commitment to country, as well as lessons in honor, integrity, and sacrifice to younger generations.
Our Purpose
The Lucky Foundation raises money for the families of the fallen or seriously injured Military and First Responders, as well as funds towards scholarships for the children of those Heroes. At our events, adventure enthusiasts from all around the country set out on guided expeditions exploring this beautiful country we call Home.
Our Evolution
Since 2021, The Lucky Foundation continues to evolve. The Lucky Foundation strives to be a leading organization in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to create a culture where volunteers and constituents are empowered to share their voices and perspectives to create an environment of inclusion, growth, positivity, belonging and change. This culture is embraced by all parts of the Foundation.
As we continue to grow, The Lucky Foundation has forged partnerships with those sharing the commitment to empower the youth of our future. With our broad partnerships, we are committed to transparency. Through the blessing of these partnerships, we plan to expand our outreach and program offerings.
OUR FOUNDATION VALUES
Values define who we are, what we do and who we are aboard our Team. These values remain driven towards sourcing scholarships to empower the youth of fallen United States Military and First Responders.
Inclusivity
Seek out different and diverse viewpoints through collaboration.
Community
Inspire all people and organizations to join the cause and grow our shared passion.
Accountability
Take responsibility to achieve goals and expect results - from ourselves and others.
Agility
Lead and embrace change with courage.
Integrity
Act ethically, with honesty, transparency, and compassion.
The Heart Behind the Mission
A Message from Kristina Manuel
“The call to serve was written in my history long before it became my mission.”
These words are not merely a reflection; they are the blueprint of my life’s work. While many find their passion through experience, mine was inherited—a bloodline commitment forged by generations of sacrifice. I can personally trace my family’s roots back to every military and service branch we honor, from the front lines of global conflict to the courageous first responders in our local neighborhoods. This foundation is the strategic culmination of a life shaped by those who serve, standing as a living testament to the legacies that built our nation and the unbreakable bond of "United Compassion" that sustains us today.
A Legacy of Honor: Wrapping Our Wings Around Every Hero
The Lucky Foundation was born from a singular vision: to empower the youth and families of those who gave everything in the line of duty. We believe in a "Total Force" approach to support. We are dedicated to wrapping our wings around all service branches and support roles, including:
- Military & Federal: All branches of the U.S. Military, Federal Agents, Border Patrol, Park Rangers, and Wildlife Officers.
- First Responders: Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Fire Service, Paramedics, EMTs, and Medical Personnel.
- The Backbone of Service: Dispatchers, Search and Rescue teams, Correctional Officers, and Tow Truck Drivers.
- Direct Support: Contractors providing essential material support to deployed forces and First Responders in the performance of their duties.
The Power of "United Compassion"
Each new day brings significant challenges to the operations of nonprofit organizations. Without question, our team of trailblazers rises to these challenges with ingenuity, compassion, resilience, fortitude, and integrity. It is a blessing to work hand-in-hand with our founding members, board of directors, advisory board, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
However, in times like these, leadership requires the masses to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. I encourage you to stand with us—to take action. Our Debt of Gratitude There are so many ways we can honor our fallen heroes, their families, and their sacrifice. From volunteering to donating, we can individually pay our respects to those who fight for our rights and our freedom, protect our families from harm, and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For that, we owe them our lives.
As we extend our campaigns toward ongoing remembrance, grievance support, and the celebration of holidays and birthdays, we carry a simple truth with us:
"We grieve because we love. How lucky we are to have experienced that love."
Community involvement is essential. It does more than recognize a sacrifice—it allows us to pass down the message of commitment to our country, as well as lessons in honor, integrity, and sacrifice to younger generations. Together, with an unstoppable mindset, we can and will accomplish amazing things.
In service and gratitude,
Kristina Manuel
Founder, The Lucky Foundation
WHAT WE DO
Family Support
We provide direct financial assistance and resources to families of fallen and seriously injured military and first responders, helping them navigate their new reality with dignity and support.
Join Our Mission
Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending our expeditions, there are many ways to support the families of fallen and injured heroes.
Get Involved Today