Community

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)

The WIAA is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) service organization and rule-making body that was formed in 1905 to create equitable playing conditions between high school sports teams in Washington. The Association consists of nearly 800 member high schools and middle/junior high schools, both public and private, and is divided into nine geographic service districts. The Association administers policies, rules, and regulations and provides other assistance and services to member schools.

The WIAA oversees athletics and fine arts in Washington state and hosts 120 WIAA state championship events for the following sports and activities: baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, dance/drill, debate, drama, football, golf, gymnastics, music, softball, swimming and diving, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. WIAA State Championships run from early November through late May. These programs provide students with valuable life skills and are an integral part of the holistic education process.

Gesa Credit Union serves as the Official Financial Partner of the WIAA and is committed to improving the lives of the students and families of Washington State through our financial offerings.

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 2018, more than 26,000 people attended nearly 200 events held in this historic building.

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. Located in Pasco, Gesa Stadium is home to the Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, the Tri-City Dust Devils, as well as the City of Pasco’s “Grand Old 4th Celebration” on July 4th each year.

In 2018, 86,283 fans walked through the gates of Gesa Stadium to see the Dust Devils in action. 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.

Check out the Dust Devils 2020 Season Schedule

Gesa Carousel of Dreams

Located in Kennewick, 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 the five years the carousel has been open to the public, over 767,636 people have ridden the carousel with 132,130 riders in 2019. We achieved our 750,000^th rider on December 2, 2019.

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. Thanks to their dedicated volunteers, 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 the 2018-2019 school year, Junior Achievement reached more than 69,190 children with over 2,526 classes and 5,255 volunteers. Gesa Credit Union supports Junior Achievement by sponsoring their annual fundraising bowling and Celebrate JA Walla Walla events and providing classroom volunteers, with over 28 Gesa staff giving their time last year.

Get involved with Junior Achievement

Safe Harbor Support Center

Gesa is proud to be the official community partner of Safe Harbor Support Center. Safe Harbor Support Center is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens when there are no other alternatives. Safe Harbor also provides outreach, support, and training to assist families in establishing a safe and stable environment. Safe Harbor supports My Friend’s Place, Southeastern Washington’s first overnight sanctuary for homeless teens, and several impactful programs that help children, teens, and parents in our community including the Taming the Dragons, The Incredible Years, and Imagination Yoga programs.

Learn about the Safe Harbor Support Center

Tri-City Americans

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

During the 2017-2018 season over 157,000 fans attended Tri-City Americans’ games and Gesa donated $4,572 to the Americans’ Players’ Education Fund.

Learn about the Tri-City Americans

Who We Have Supported