Community

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)

Gesa Credit Union serves as the Official Financial Partner and Title Sponsor of the WIAA. We share promotions and financial tips through WIAA channels, sponsor Game of the Week and Athlete of the Week recognition, and have an in-person presence during many Championship Events.

The WIAA was formed in 1905 to create equitable playing conditions between high school sports teams in Washington. It now consists of nearly 800 member high schools and middle/junior high schools, both public and private, and is divided into nine geographic service districts. It oversees athletics and fine arts in Washington State and hosts 120 WIAA state championship events from early November through late May. These programs provide students with valuable life skills and are an integral part of the holistic education process.

Learn about the WIAA

Gesa Power House Theater

The historic Gesa Power House Theatre is a world-class, 330-seat performing arts theatre located in downtown Walla Walla, Washington. The 125-year-old building was once the Walla Walla Gas Plant, originally built to produce coal gas that was piped underground to light the streets, businesses, and homes of Walla Walla. The building was converted to generate electricity around the year 1905 by installing steam driven dynamos and transformers.

In 2011, the interior of the building was transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts theater. In 2020 the Gesa Power House Theatre temporarily closed its doors due to the COVID19 pandemic but adapted by offering Watch at Home suggestions. Upon reopening, it continues to follow Washington State guidelines to ensure a safe and enriching experience for all audience members.

Check out the Theatre's Calendar of Events

Dust Devils and Gesa Stadium

For over 10 years, Gesa has partnered with the Tri-City Dust Devils to provide fun, affordable family entertainment at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, which hosts the team’s home games as well as other community events like the City of Pasco’s Grand Old 4th Celebration each Independence Day.

In 2019, Gesa Stadium received $2 million in stadium updates for improvements in LED lighting along with upgrades in the general admission and lower box seating. Though the 2020 Minor League Baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 season marks a new chapter for the team as they became a High-A long season affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Their longer season runs from May to September, and the team is committed to following state guidelines to ensure a safe and fun environment for players and fans alike.

Check out the Dust Devils 2021 Season Schedule

Gesa Carousel of Dreams

This 100-year-old piece of history has had visitors from all 50 states and around the world. Construction of the facility and installation of the vintage 1910 Charles Carmel Carousel was funded in large part through Gesa’s commitment to providing the Tri-Cities community with a year-round venue for arts, entertainment, weddings, and parties – it’s the perfect place to create happy memories!

In 2020 the Carousel closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then adapted by providing safe, socially distanced activities for community members including their Scare-Ousel of Dreams and their Easter Extravaganza. The Carousel achieved its 750,000th rider in December 2019 and continues to offer safe, accessible family fun for all ages.

Learn about the Carousel of Dreams Foundation

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing students to succeed in a global economy. Gesa supports their Washington efforts by sponsoring annual fundraising events, providing classroom volunteers, and donating to educational programs. With the help of dedicated volunteers – including many Gesa team members – Junior Achievement provides students in-school and after-school programs focused on three key areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. In addition to bringing the free enterprise system to life in the classrooms, Junior Achievement programs also teach the importance of staying in school. In 2020 Junior Achievement of Washington pivoted swiftly to meet the needs of virtual students and educators and to ensure that learning was sustained. They transformed their in-person programs into free, digital resources used by 35,237 students across the state.

Get involved with Junior Achievement

Tri-City Americans

Gesa is honored to be the official credit union of the Tri-City Americans. This partnership includes the “Gesa Credit Union Saves for Students” program in which Gesa donates $2 for every save made by an Americans goaltender to the Americans’ Players’ Education Fund, a nonprofit organization providing scholarships for players seeking to further their education when their hockey careers are complete.

The 2020 Americans season was cut short because of the pandemic, but they returned to play in March of 2021 with games broadcast live on local channels and SWXRightNow.com.

Learn about the Tri-City Americans

Who We Have Supported