Spreading Light, Hope, and Opportunity.
"Honoring the vibrant life of Marie Annette Funes by championing her legacy through Educational Infrastructure, Scholarships, Mental Health & Wellness, and Disability Inclusion & Support in her beloved Honduras where her parents were born and she loved to visit."
ABOUT US
Our Inspiration: Marie Annette Funes
The Marie 22 Foundation was born from love and memory, Our name and origin come from our beloved daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter and friend, Marie Annette Funes.
Marie passed away on April 7th, 2025, at the young age of 25. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she was a beautiful soul, a true ray of sunshine who lit up any room she walked into with her signature beautiful smile.
An achiever and a competitor, Marie’s academic and athletic journey was marked by excellence. She attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and Xavier Prep/Pinnacle High School in Phoenix. Her talent and hard work earned her a D1 softball scholarship to Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she obtained her bachelors degree in Criminal law, graduating Suma Cum Laude.
At the time of her passing, she was pursuing her third year of law school at California Western School of Law.
Marie loved life. She was a multi-sport athlete—excelling in soccer, basketball, swimming, and softball. She inherited a deep love for the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox from her dad. Beyond her competitive nature, she loved to have fun, travel to music festivals, and create memories with her friends.
We established this foundation to keep her competitive spirit and compassionate heart alive by helping others win their own battles.
Mission Statement
The Marie 22 Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.
Our Mission
To empower communities through comprehensive support, building foundational educational and sports facilities, granting transformative scholarships, funding vital mental health initiatives, and advocating for the inclusion and well-being of people with disabilities.
“We are dedicated to funding vital mental health awareness organizations while simultaneously delivering tangible hope to communities in Honduras through infrastructure, scholarships, and disability inclusion initiatives.”
Areas of Work
How We Make a Difference
Educational Scholarships
Building Infrastructure in Honduras
Mental Health Awareness
Disability Inclusion & Support
Focus on Honduras
Why Honduras?
Because her parents were born there and most of her immediate family still lives there, she was always proud of her Honduran heritage, Honduras is a country of beautiful people and culture, but it faces significant economic challenges. Many rural communities lack basic educational infrastructure. Schools often face overcrowding, structural decay, or a complete lack of safe recreational areas for children.
By focusing our aid here, we aim to bridge the gap between potential and possibility. We are not just building walls; we are building futures. We are providing the tools necessary for children to break the cycle of poverty and for young adults to achieve the education they dream of, just as Marie did.
Where the Money Goes
We value your trust. Every dollar donated to the Marie 22 Foundation is allocated with care and transparency
Program Services:
Direct construction or financing to dedicated non-profit organizations that share our vision in the areas where we work.
Operational Integrity:
Essential administrative costs to keep the foundation running legally and efficiently.
Community Outreach:
Organizing events to raise awareness and support.
Join Team Marie
MARIE WAS A TEAM PLAYER, AND NOW WE NEED YOU ON OUR TEAM
There are several ways you can support our vision
SPREAD THE WORD
There are several ways you can support our vision
SPREAD THE WORD
Reach Out
Do you have questions about our work, or do you know an organization that needs support? We would love to hear from you.