Wheelhouse Credit Union

Honoring the Legacy of D. Cruz Gonzalez

Wheelhouse Credit Union recently awarded its first annual D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant to Cesar Chavez Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Southcrest. Established to honor the legacy of former Wheelhouse Board Chair Daniel “Cruz” Gonzalez and his lifelong commitment to volunteerism in underserved communities, the $5,000 grant will be awarded annually to an initiative or organization that positively impacts the lives of San Diegans.

Wheelhouse Credit Union (formerly San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union) is a federally insured, state-chartered credit union founded in 1934 serving more than 32,000 community members in the greater San Diego area. Wheelhouse is “San Diego Made and Proud,” providing a full suite of consumer banking services and a comprehensive set of Energy-Efficient and Solar Loan products for the conscientious San Diegan.

“We are proud to celebrate Cruz’s legacy by awarding this grant in his name. His selfless commitment to helping those who need it most is a model and inspiration for all of us and reflects the values that Wheelhouse brings to our San Diego community,” Wheelhouse President/CEO Lisa Paul-Hill shared with GB Magazine. “Our goal is to use this grant to continue his great work and make a difference in the lives of those in our underserved communities. We cannot think of a better recipient for our first grant than Cesar Chavez Elementary School. Principal Santos and all the amazing educators and staff reflect the ideals that Cruz dedicated his life to, and we are honored to support the school.”

Cesar Chavez Elementary School is located in the San Diego Promise Zone, which is home to some of the most disadvantaged and underserved communities in San Diego County. The grant reflects a direct investment in the youth of the Southcrest community, providing 5th grade students with the opportunity to attend Cuyamaca Camp, run by the San Diego County Office of Education. Funds will also be used to purchase student classroom supplies, library books, materials for the school’s garden, PE equipment and supplies for its sensory room to support the mental and emotional health of students.

The grant was presented during a campus clean-up event as part of a “community giveback” day for Wheelhouse, with its employee team joining the Cesar Chavez Elementary School Student Council and volunteers from Northgate Market to help get the school ready for the upcoming year.

To learn more about how Wheelhouse is committed to the San Diego community or request our support for your organization, visit www.WheelhouseCU.com/itsgivebacktime.