Honoring Heroes. Supporting families.
About Us
Building community.
Why We Exist
When a service member or first responder is killed or seriously injured, a family is left to carry the loss. The Lucky Foundation exists so they never carry it alone. We provide direct financial assistance when life turns overnight, and we fund educational scholarships that protect a child's future. This is steady, practical support, given with respect.
What We Do
We do three things, and we do them well. We deliver direct financial assistance to families of fallen and seriously injured Military and First Responders. We fund educational scholarships for the children of Heroes. We run guided adventure expeditions that raise the support these families depend on.
Who We Serve
Our support reaches the active duty Military families and the First Responder families who gave the most. It reaches the backbone of every Hero, the spouses, parents and children left behind. It reaches the wider network of neighbors and communities who refuse to let these families stand alone.
How We Fund the Mission
Adventure expeditions are our primary fundraising model. Supporters from every corner of the country set out on guided expeditions across this land we love. The miles they cover become direct assistance and scholarships. It is purpose you can feel in your legs and your heart.
Our Commitment
Every family. Every voice.
The Lucky Foundation is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Every family is met with dignity. Every voice has a place at our table. The strength of this mission comes from the range of people who carry it forward together.
Our Values
These values define who we are, what we do and how we serve.
Inclusivity
We seek out different and diverse viewpoints and build through collaboration.
Community
We invite all people and organizations to join the cause and grow a shared purpose.
Accountability
We take responsibility for results and expect the same from ourselves and others.
Agility
We lead and embrace change with courage.
Integrity
We act ethically, with honesty, transparency and compassion.
Kristina Manuel
Founder, The Lucky Foundation
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
Join Our Mission
Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending our expeditions, there are many ways to support the families of fallen and injured heroes.