Donate to the Philip M. Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Philip M. Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Phil’s lifelong spirit of giving.  The fund awards an annual scholarship to support higher educational goals of graduating students from Phil’s high school alma mater (San Gabriel High School) located in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles, California.

Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Phil was a force to be reckoned with. His love of music at a young age led him to a career in radio where he started at the bottom and rose to voice “Raoul” on KMET radio during the 70’s and early 80’s.  He loved the movie “Almost Famous” because he felt a connection with the times and music it featured.  He regaled anyone who would listen with his countless rock star encounters and stories with musicians like Phil Collins, Tom Petty and David Lee Roth. A prolific air guitar player, Phil was so proud of his career in radio and the colleagues that became life-long friends.

In 1986, Phil transitioned from radio to TV where he held positions in marketing, promotions, public service, etc. for the next 24 years. He was truly a master of his craft, not only building a reputation for himself within the industry but most importantly, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for events such as the Special Olympics.  His work was his life and creating promotions and events to benefit non-profits in need was what kept him alive and vibrant.

He was genuine with his advice and mentored countless “interns” as they forged their own way within the entertainment industry.  He was never short on advice or connections to help propel other’s careers forward.

Phil adored his large, supportive family and would do ANYTHING for any one of his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Those lucky enough to call Phil a friend would be hard pressed to find a better one.  He said what he meant and he meant what he said.  He was kind and unapologetically giving.  If anyone deserves to be remembered for his giving nature, it is undoubtedly Phil.

He will be forever missed by his friends and family but his legacy of giving will live on through the Philip M. Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Contributions to the California Community Foundation represent irrevocable gifts subject to the legal and fiduciary control of the foundation’s board of directors. This charge will appear on your credit card statement as a payment to “Calif Comm Fdn – CCF”. In addition, California Community Foundation incurs a third-party administrative fee of 2.7 percent for credit card contributions. The foundation will charge the fee directly to the individual fund.