Madeline Foley is a military spouse and the founder of The Foley Group with Costa Modern Properties. Her ties to Coronado and Imperial Beach run deep. “My connection to Coronado and Imperial Beach is personal and meaningful. My husband grew up in Coronado, living in both Silver Strand housing and in the Village,” she told me. “I started my real estate career in Coronado, and my family has now migrated to Imperial Beach, where we are proud to call home. We live life up and down the Strand as if Coronado and Imperial Beach are one giant island. My career, relationships, and community involvement are closely tied to both areas, and my work is focused on serving the military community in this region.”
Foley originally grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She explained that while vacationing in Coronado, she met her now husband, which ultimately changed the direction of her life. “Seven years ago, I relocated to Coronado to start our lives together,” Foley explained. “Coronado became the foundation of my adult life, both personally and professionally. It is where I built my career, my relationships, and my sense of community. Now moving to Imperial Beach, both IB and Coronado continue to feel like home and hold a special place in my heart.”
Beginning this month, Foley and The Foley Group are launching a major community initiative, all in support of the local military communities. “Starting in March and running through Memorial Day, The Foley Group will be leading a community fundraiser in support of Gold Star Families, Meals of Honor, through the Navy SEAL Family Foundation,” she began. “The funds raised will directly support the Foundation’s 2026 program, which provides holiday meals for Gold Star families, including local Gold Star families in Coronado, Imperial Beach, and the surrounding areas. All donations will be made directly to the foundation.”
A Gold Star Family is the immediate family—spouses, parents, children, and siblings—of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty. Originating from World War I, the term symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved one, with the family honored through special lapel pins and flags.
Donors can contribute at any time, and anyone in the community can contact Foley to be directed to the donation platform. “In addition to the fundraising effort, The Foley Group will host a community vest walk or run on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day in honor of those who served. The entire community is welcome to participate, whether or not they donate. A recommended donation amount for the run is $25 – $50, but any amount makes a meaningful difference. Participation in the run is not required to donate, and donations can be made at any time throughout the fundraiser.”
Foley aims to raise $10,000, with each contribution directly helping families who have made incredible sacrifices. This initiative focuses on making a tangible impact and fostering community support.
Foley said, “Giving back to the community has always been important to me. This year, we wanted to do something that would truly make a difference in someone’s life in a real and tangible way. We wanted to help families who have lost loved ones feel seen, supported, and cared for, especially during the holidays. This cause is deeply personal, as there are Gold Star families close to our hearts as well as in both Coronado and Imperial Beach.”
Gold Star families will directly benefit through the Navy SEAL Family Foundation’s 2026 holiday meal program. “The funds raised will help provide meaningful support during the holiday season and ensure that families who have lost a service member feel remembered and supported through action, not just words. Our fundraiser goal of $10,000 will be able to provide approximately 40 meals.”
Explaining why the Navy SEAL Family Foundation was selected, Foley said, “We chose the Navy SEAL Family Foundation because of its deep impact on military families and our local community. The foundation supports families through tutoring programs, military spouse support initiatives, community events, and Gold Star outreach programs. Their work focuses on long-term care, stability, and community connection. They continuously pour into military families both in Coronado, IB, and the San Diego community. I believe it is time to pour back into them.”
Foley highlighted the larger significance of fundraising efforts like this. “Fundraisers like this bring people together around shared values of service, sacrifice, and compassion. Gold Star families are not distant stories,” she said. “They live in our neighborhoods and throughout San Diego. Supporting them strengthens our communities, builds connection, and ensures families who have lost loved ones feel as though they are remembered. These efforts create unity, healing, and long-term resilience for everyone.”
The community can participate by donating, joining the walk or run, sharing the mission, or helping spread awareness. To learn more about the fundraiser or to donate, readers can email Madeline at madeline@costamodernproperties.com, call The Foley Group at 619-679-1206, or go to www.sealfamilyfoundation.org/donate and type ‘MEALS OF HONOR’ in the additional comment section.
VOL. 42, NO. 10 – Mar. 5, 2026