Dr. Carreón Foundation awards $132,000 in scholarships at awards banquet
The Dr. Carreón Foundation recently honored students from area high schools across the Coachella Valley and Blythe, presenting scholarships to the members of the class of 2022 as well as in-college students who graduated high school in recent years.
Taking place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the event attracted nearly 200 attendees with an opening reception, dinner and live entertainment with Eevaan Tré — while recognizing the 56 recipients as they crossed the stage.
Foundation board president John Henry Garcia welcomed all, and board member John Peña introduced dignitaries. Speakers were City of Indio Mayor Waymond Fermon, scholarship alumna Chanel de la Mora and Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez. Foundation Executive Director Ricardo Loretta emceed in both Spanish and English and kept the program moving briskly.
"I thought the bringing together of student awardees and their families, along with loyal supporters such as Rotary, the cities of Desert Hot Springs and Indio and others speaks forcefully towards validating our foundation's mission of assisting youth of Mexican-American origin in achieving their dreams of a good career through education," Loretta said. "Our board members outdid themselves in creating a magical climate which was appreciated by all present. This was easily one of our best banquets to date."
Scholarship funds are raised with the support of local organizations and individuals, along with long-time partner OneFuture Coachella Valley. In its 31 years, the Dr. Carreón Foundation has awarded almost $2 million in scholarships to more than 800 students. Recipients have attended schools locally and across the country, including College of the Desert, CSUSB Palm Desert, University of Southern California, UCLA, MIT and Harvard University, to name a few.
As a major supporter of the foundation, Palm Desert Rotary Club's President Carol Winston said: "It is organizations like these that bring the community together to help others achieve a higher education, a bright future and a successful career path. Many of the recipients are the first in their families to be able to attend college, and many return to the valley, contributing to a thriving economy as members of our workforce. We are proud and honored to be involved with such an outstanding organization."
Established in 1991 by Dr. Reynaldo Carreón, the foundation supports higher education for Mexican-American families who require financial assistance to send their youth to college. As a successful ophthalmologist, practicing in Los Angeles, Carreón became aware of a need in eastern Coachella Valley, where thousands of poor Mexican workers had no health care.
On weekends, he came to Indio to provide health care services to this community pro bono. He then bought land and moved to Indio, where he co-founded Indio Community Hospital in 1966 on land that he donated. That institution eventually became JFK Memorial Hospital.
Carreón's love of the valley and his commitment to live a better life have had long-ranging effects on so many people over the years. He has been honored many times by various cities and organizations, and will always be remembered by Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Dr. Carreon Park and the Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr. Academy, all of which are named in his honor.
For additional information about the foundation, visit carreonfoundation.org.
Chris Clemens Martello is a 20-year resident of the Palm Springs area. As a publicist and writer, she has both promoted and written articles for a wide variety of clients in the desert and beyond. She has extensive experience working in the particular fields of hospitality, retail, medical and art. Another of her passions is working to create awareness for many nonprofits and their annual events.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Dr. Carreon Foundation awards $132,000 in scholarships
