Our Story

After the tragic and unexpected passing of Tony, our world changed forever. As a family, we were heartbroken—but we also knew we wanted to turn our grief into purpose. That’s how The 9 Foundation was born: as a way to support our local community, uplift young people, and help families facing the unimaginable.

Through our journey, we saw how deeply needed open conversations around mental health really are. The stigma, the silence, the lack of accessible support—it all makes a hard situation even harder. We wanted to change that.

The 9 Foundation exists to be a source of hope, healing, and strength. We offer a place to find resources and build community. Whether you're a young person navigating life’s challenges, or a family trying to find your footing—we’re here. No one should have to go through this alone.

We honor Tony’s life by helping others find support, connection, and the tools to thrive. This is our way forward. This is our why.

About Tony Muñoz

Tony was a charismatic and beloved member of the Santa Barbara community, known for his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and the people around him. From a young age, Tony was deeply involved in community athletics, local events, and various hobbies, where his passion for these activities helped him build resilience, teamwork, and lasting connections. His active participation in these endeavors not only fostered strong relationships but also served as a reminder of the positive impact that engaging in meaningful activities can have on one’s life.

At the heart of Tony’s life was his profound love for his family, especially his two daughters. As a devoted father, son, and brother, his family was always his top priority, and his commitment to them shaped everything he did. Anthony’s life was one of strength, love, and resilience, but he also faced significant struggles. He battled with mental health challenges and substance abuse, and like many others, he was unsure of how to ask for help. These internal battles were often hidden behind his outward strength, making it even harder to reach out during his toughest times.

Tony’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health and substance abuse can affect anyone, regardless of background or appearance. It can happen to anyone—people you know, people you admire, and those who seem to have it all together. His struggle underscores how important it is to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and to create a space where people feel safe asking for help.

Though his journey ended far too soon, Anthony’s legacy remains a powerful call to action. At The 9 Foundation, we continue to honor Anthony by empowering youth to navigate their own challenges with strength, dignity, and the understanding that it's okay to ask for help. We believe in the importance of engaging in positive activities like sports, community events, and hobbies to build resilience, foster teamwork, and create lasting connections.

We also work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse, encouraging open conversations and providing support for those who may be struggling in silence, just as Tony did. His story reminds us that, no matter how strong we appear on the outside, we all need support and connection to thrive.

Tony’s memory lives on through his family, friends, and the community he touched. His legacy continues to inspire us every day in our mission to uplift and support youth, helping them build lives of purpose, strength, and resilience, and showing them the importance of reaching out when they need help.