Transforming Lives Through Purposeful Philanthropy
David and Vala Lueth have a deep and profound passion for addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and aiding foster youth. While they support numerous organizations in Arizona where they reside for most of the year, their philanthropic footprint in San Diego centers around one organization: the Lucky Duck Foundation.
Concerned by San Diego’s homeless crisis, the Lueths began to research local nonprofits focused on the issue. They found the Lucky Duck Foundation and its mission to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County, at which point they started a thorough due diligence process. After meeting the Lucky Duck Foundation’s leadership and several board members, the Lueths elected to make a meaningful initial contribution in the Fall of 2023, and used their commitment as a matching challenge during the “paddle raise” at Lucky Duck Foundation’s Showcase Soirée. This resulted in $500,000 in donations.
“We saw it as a great way to compel others to give and to create an extra sense of urgency,” David shared with GB Magazine. “We love how others stepped up to achieve our initial challenge.” David, who built a very successful petroleum business with his brother in Arizona, and Vala, a decorated and successful sculptor and artist, each had very prosperous and distinguished careers before they met in 2019 and married in 2021.
Their approach to philanthropy is both strategic and heartfelt. They dedicate time and effort to researching organizations, going on site visits, getting to know each organization’s leadership, and taking other steps to be confident their contributions will generate impact.
Recognizing the positive outcomes resulting from their 2023 donation, the Lueths significantly increased their support in 2024 by donating more than $1 million. This decision was rooted in their belief that their prior donation was a sound investment that yielded measurable benefits for the community.
“Their programs are tangible and measurable, and they quantify their efforts very effectively. We wanted to expand that meaningfully and help further position the Lucky Duck Foundation to increase their reach substantially,” David added.
“We love that Lucky Duck deploys the funds quickly into tangible programs and strategies. We feel confident our $1 million will reach many less fortunate,” said Vala. “And we love their mantra, ‘share your luck.’ David and I have been very fortunate over the course of our lives, and we are so fortunate to help.”
David and Vala’s extraordinary $1 million donation has been transformative and their support helped expand the foundation’s programs. Additionally, thanks to their generosity, the Lucky Duck Foundation was able to commit more than $3 million towards vital initiatives such as job training and employment programs, youth and senior homelessness, and the addition of new detox beds and other immediate pathways off the streets.
“We are so pleased and humbled to support the Lucky Duck Foundation,” David said. “We greatly value their collaborative approach and use of business principles. Supporting their work at a high level brings us great fulfillment and we highly encourage others to do the same.”
The Lueth’s philanthropic journey with the Lucky Duck Foundation exemplifies how thoughtful, strategic giving can catalyze meaningful change and inspire others to follow suit.
www.luckyduckfoundation.org
