$50K Donation Goes To Dublin's Young Swimmers In Need

DUBLIN, CA — The family foundation of a 30-year public servant and former city Parks and Community Services Department director donated $50,000 to the Dublin Green Gators swim team scholarship program for local youth in need.

The McCreary Family Foundation was formed in June by Paul McCreary and his family — Suzanne, Joy and Matthew McCreary — to continue the philanthropic legacy of Paul McCreary's parents, Thomas and Frances McCreary.

Paul McCreary called swimmers noble, dedicated athletes and said the award was given in memory of Gabriel Gamez, who swam for the Gators and was a model of team spirit and leadership. Gamez was selfless and always willing to lend a helping hand to young swimmers and cheer to his teammates even though he was not one of the team's top-performing athletes.

Paul McCreary met Gamez in 1990. Gamez was also a Dublin Swim Center junior lifeguard at that time.

"Unfortunately, Gabriel’s amazing life and light was cut short when in September 1992 he unexpectedly passed away as an adolescent," Paul McCreary said. "Following his passing the Swim Team Parent Committee created the Dublin Green Gator Award which has been given annually since 1993 to one overall Dublin Green Gator swimmer who has proven to be a role model, has characteristics of a good leader, and demonstrates the ability to be a productive member of a team."

The $50,000 gift was pledged to benefit the Dublin Cares Program to cover the cost of registration fees, swimsuits, goggles or other equipment. The family hopes to see it go toward a $500 scholarship named the Gabriel Gamez Swim Team Scholarship.

The Dublin City Council formally accepted the gift at its July 20 meeting.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of Gabriel Gamez.