In a show of community partnership and youth-led impact, Wheelhouse Credit Union has awarded its second annual D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant to Sports4Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local youth experiencing homelessness. The grant will directly fund essential care packages for unhoused students at Perkins Elementary School in Barrio Logan.
The grant was presented during Sports4Kids’ Bags of Hope giveback event, where Wheelhouse employees, led by Wheelhouse Credit Union President and CEO Lisa Paul-Hill, joined to help assemble and distribute care packages to students in need. The event was not only a meaningful moment of connection and support, but a testament to the shared mission of both organizations: uplifting underserved communities through compassion and action.
Wheelhouse Credit Union established the D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant in 2023 in honor of the late Daniel “Cruz” Gonzalez, a former Board Chair known for his lifelong dedication to volunteerism. The grant is awarded annually to a local organization or initiative that makes a significant positive impact on San Diegans – values Cruz embodied throughout his life.
“We are proud to continue Cruz’s legacy by making a true difference in the lives of individuals in our underserved San Diego communities through volunteerism and outreach,” shared Wheelhouse President and CEO Lisa Paul-Hill. “Sports4Kids and its founder Arden Pala are an inspiration to all of us, and reflect the shared values of Cruz and Wheelhouse as we work to support those in our beautiful city who need it most. We congratulate Arden and look forward to continuing to support all his good work”
Founded by 14-year-old Francis Parker student Arden Pala, Sports4Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for children and families to give back to their community. The group organizes a variety of initiatives – from delivering meals and distributing backpacks, to providing care packages and expanding access to youth sports. With an estimated 20,000 youth experiencing homelessness in San Diego County, Sports4Kids seeks to fill a critical gap in services, offering not only material support but also access to recreational opportunities that promote long-term personal development.
Arden’s vision for Sports4Kids extends beyond traditional charity work as the organization designs programs that allow youth of all ages to participate. Through hands-on engagement, children not only contribute meaningfully but also learn the value of empathy, service, and leadership.
This partnership with Wheelhouse Credit Union reflects a long-standing tradition of credit unions positively impacting their local communities through community banking and meaningful givebacks. For Arden and Sports4Kids, the D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant is more than just financial support; it is a recognition of the power that youth possess to lead and uplift their peers.
As both organizations continue their mission of supporting San Diego’s most vulnerable residents, the Bags of Hope event stands as a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets action.
To learn more about Wheelhouse Credit Union or how to support Sports4Kids, visit www.WheelhouseCU.com.
