Family is “muy importante” to Juan Gonzalez, but for him the entire community of Fountain Hills is family.

That’s why Gonzalez, of Señor Taco, goes above and beyond to help where he can within that community through donations, sponsorships and more.

And that’s also why he has been selected to receive the prestigious Legacy Award handed out annually by the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame.

Gonzalez will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame awards dinner set for March 27.

“Several names and groups were suggested by our committee for the Legacy Award,” said Barb Hansen, who chairs the Hall of Fame committee and its foundation board. “But Juan’s involvement over the years, coupled with his generosity being spread among so many groups in town, really pushed his name to the top of the list.

“This is just one way to thank him for his commitment to our community and his helping so many diverse groups.”

Gonzalez co-owns and manages the two Señor Taco restaurants in town – one at Shea and Saguaro boulevards and the other on Fountain Hills Blvd. near the Safeway center.

“This is truly an honor for me,” Gonzalez said of the Legacy Award. “I’m humbled and overwhelmed by the recognition.”

The Mexican native is no stranger to accolades, however, as his restaurant walls are plastered with plaques, certificates and newspaper stories detailing his benevolence.

The Chamber of Commerce honored him as the 2013 Business Person of the Year and just last year he was given the Mayor’s Award at the annual Chamber gala in honor of his generosity and propensity to help with fundraising efforts for non-profits.

“I like to help with many things, but I don’t always share them with people,” he said. “I don’t see people as a number. They are family. If I can help somewhere, I don’t mind jumping on board.

“My dad taught me that. It’s from my heart. It feels great to give. I prefer that feeling over buying a new car or whatever.

“When you see a kid smile because of something you did, that’s just great.”

Gonzalez lives in town with his wife and two children. While his generosity is mostly focused on young people, he helps diverse groups.

They include youth sports leagues, Boys & Girls Club, Bob’s Free Bikes, Women’s Club, Parkinson’s group, high school sports teams, American Legion, church youth groups and more.

“I fell in love with this community and I don’t mind giving back,” he said. “I’ve had some very remarkable experiences in my life, but it is always an honor to be recognized for my hard work.

“I love what I do, and I want my restaurants to be gathering places for Falcon families and everyone else.”

No doubt Juan Gonzalez’s legacy in Fountain Hills will outlive his business dealings in town.

And that is part of the reasoning behind the Hall of Fame’s annual Legacy Award – recognizing people or organizations for their unique talents, contributions and involvement.