Grant to Provide Camp Scholarships to Students, School Supplies, Library Books & Other Materials

Inaugural Award Presented During Wheelhouse Employee Campus Clean-Up Day

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

“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,” said Wheelhouse President/CEO Lisa Paul-Hill. “Our goal is to use this grant to continue his great work and make a difference in the lives of individuals in our underserved communities. We can’t 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,  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 also will 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.