The Lucky Duck Foundation (LDF) announced more than $3 million in new program investments this week during its Showcase Soirée fundraiser at The Sound in Del Mar.
These funds will support a range of initiatives including $1,000,000 to expand employment and job training opportunities and another $1,000,000 to assist homeless youth and seniors.
Additional funds will provide detox beds and other immediate pathways off the streets, as well as winter coats that transform into sleeping bags for those in need, according to the foundation.
“These critical programs are made possible by our very generous donors and will help advance our ability to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County,” said Drew Moser, CEO of the Lucky Duck Foundation. “We are honored and humbled by the ongoing trust our supporters place in us, and we will continue to help our most vulnerable neighbors find a brighter path.”
Stephanie and Pat Kilkenny, LDF co-founders, during the posthumous recognition for Bill Walton, longtime LDF friend and ardent supporter. Lucky Duck Foundation photo 
Sheel Seidler, LDF executive committee member, spoke following recognition of her late husband Peter Seidler. Lucky Duck Foundation photo 
David and Vala Lueth, who generously contributed $1,000,000 at at the Showcase Soirée. Lucky Duck Foundation photo
At the event, Bill Walton, the iconic San Diego sports legend who passed away in May, was posthumously honored as the “Lucky Duck Person of the Year.” This award is presented annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing LDF’s mission.
In honor of Peter Seidler, the late San Diego Padres owner and LDF executive committee member, LDF announced the renaming of its symposiums on homelessness to “The Peter Seidler Way Symposiums on Homelessness.” This initiative will continue to embody Seidler’s values of collaboration, action and implementing best-in-class strategies.
LDF also recognized We See You San Diego as the “Fr. Joe Carroll Hustler of the Year,” an annual award that honors organizations or individuals who are deeply committed to combating homelessness.
LDF has committed $250,000 to help We See You San Diego scale its model, which provides immediate pathways into drug and alcohol recovery. Additionally, Showcase Soiree attendees David and Vala Lueth generously contributed $1,000,000 to help LDF reach its donation matching goal.
Donations continue through the foundation’s “virtual paddle raise” fundraiser online. For more information, go to luckyduckfoundation.org.
