Bill and his wife, Lori, have been dedicated supporters of the Lucky Duck Foundation since its founding in 2005, and Lori continues to serve on our Board of Directors. A beloved San Diego icon, basketball legend and passionate advocate for his community, Bill attended nearly every Lucky Duck fundraiser, always eager to learn people’s names and hear their stories. For him, it was always about helping others.
From celebrating the distribution of one million meals to helping launch our Shamrocks and Shipwrecks scorecard, Bill used his voice and platform to advocate for practical solutions to homelessness and inspire action.
Through mentorship, opportunity, sport, education, community and service, the Bill Walton Foundation carries his light forward, creating opportunities for people—especially young people—to discover their gifts, find their path and shine.
The Shine On Youth Scholarship supports underserved youth in communities that helped shape Bill’s life and legacy, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland and Boston.
Donations fund college scholarships awarded to youth overcoming homelessness in partnership with the Lucky Duck Foundation.
More than financial assistance, Shine On connects young people with education, athletics, leadership development, mentorship and life guidance. Rooted in Bill’s belief that every kid needs a coach, the program helps young people find opportunity, confidence and belief in themselves.
The Shine On Scholarship launched with a $32,000 donation from Mick Cronin, Tommy Lloyd, Mark Few and Matt Painter, the four head coaches participating in the Hall of Fame Series honoring Bill Walton, as well as a 4-for-1 matching challenge made possible by Bill’s longtime close friends Stephanie & Pat Kilkenny and Lin & Adam Cheyer.
If fans collectively contribute $32,000, the Kilkennys and the Cheyers will each contribute another $32,000. Combined with the coaches’ $32,000 gift, the Shine On Scholarship will start with $128,000 to help young people overcoming homelessness pursue a college education.
UCLA
Arizona
Gonzaga
Purdue
“Bill believed deeply in the power of people to lift one another up, and he had a special place in his heart for young people who needed someone to believe in them,” said Lori. “I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor Bill than to help these young people overcome homelessness, pursue a college education and have the opportunity to shine on.”
“Bill Walton represented so much more than basketball. He lived with incredible joy, generosity and a genuine desire to lift others up,” said Mick Cronin, UCLA Men’s Basketball Head Coach. “On behalf of the head coaches participating in the Hall of Fame Series, we’re honored to help launch the Shine On Scholarship and excited to perpetuate Bill’s legacy by creating opportunities for young people overcoming homelessness in the communities Bill loved.”
Personal or corporate checks can be made out to:
The Lucky Duck Foundation
5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123
These funds are highly popular among individual donors because of the ease of administration and potential tax savings from donating via a DAF.
Strategies to save big on taxes, such as Charitable Remainder Trusts, bundled donations, and donations of appreciated stock, IRA, real estate, and estates.
Leave a lasting legacy by including the Lucky Duck Foundation in your estate planning.
We offer turnkey peer-to-peer fundraising so you can create your own fundraising page and invite your friends and family to support the Lucky Duck Foundation and its programs.
There are many ways your organization can get involved and support community giving and volunteering.
We’ve partnered with LNDRY, a premier laundry service in San Diego, to pick up your gently used clothes donation (for free!) to help homeless employment and education-seekers look and feel their best!
Enjoy premium craft coffee with a purpose. Our coffee partner, Tower Roasting Co., provides 100% organic fair trade coffee while helping to prevent and reduce homelessness in San Diego by donating 30% of every sale.
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5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 100,
San Diego, CA 92123
The Lucky Duck Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 20-3324885
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