Giving, put into action
For David, philanthropy has always meant putting relationships, resources, experience, and opportunity to work where they can matter most.
From disaster response to expanding access to wellness, the work has evolved. The principle has not.
Life’s mission lies in giving, not simply living.
THE IMPACT
When people need help, show up
David’s humanitarian work took on new meaning after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when he chartered an aircraft carrying supplies into Louisiana and brought survivors back to San Diego.
That response grew into years of organized relief through 2 Life 18 and the Coalition of Hope Foundation, supporting communities affected by major disasters in the United States and abroad.
Hurricane Katrina
Mobilizing when it mattered
Relief efforts grew to 74 airlift missions, delivering food, water, medical supplies, and essential resources to communities across the Gulf Coast.
Haiti Earthquake
Coordinating relief at scale
Following the 2010 earthquake and cholera crisis, David helped coordinate emergency aid and medical resources alongside nonprofit, private-sector, and government partners.
Hurricane Sandy
From response to recovery
In the Rockaways, David helped support relief efforts that provided meals, fuel, emergency supplies, and resources as communities moved from crisis toward recovery.
Hurricane Irma
Supporting the Florida Keys
In 2017, David led Coalition of Hope efforts to coordinate food, water, medical resources, emergency supplies, and recovery support throughout the Florida Keys.
TODAY’S MISSION
Expanding access to wellness
David founded the Lumati Foundation to expand access to health education, wellness programs, and meaningful support for individuals and families who might otherwise go without.
The Foundation also carries forward the Michelle Polaski Award, an annual medical scholarship supporting the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.
Together, these efforts support a larger ambition: positively impacting the health and longevity of one billion people by 2035.
RECOGNITION & HONORS
Recognized for Leadership and Impact
David Perez has been recognized for his humanitarian leadership and service on both national and international levels. In 2005, he was named one of A&E Network’s Top 10 People in the World and received the Channel 10 News (ABC) Leader of the Year Award and the NAACP President’s Award.
In November 2010, he received the U.S. Southern Command Commander’s Coin and Deputy Commander’s Coin in recognition of his humanitarian efforts following the Haiti earthquake and cholera response.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Coverage across national media
David Perez’s humanitarian efforts have drawn significant media attention, with coverage across national television networks including CNN, Fox News, CNBC, ABC, NBC, and MSNBC.
His work has also been featured in more than 70 local, national, and international newspaper and magazine articles, including Reader’s Digest, highlighting his humanitarian work and the communities he has supported.
