If he were still alive today, Dr. Reynaldo Carreón, who started his foundation in 1990, would be proud to see the incredible growth and transformation over the years that benefit post high school students.
His foundation began by providing scholarships to students of Mexican and Mexican-American heritage. But that changed three years ago, according to long-time Executive Director Ricardo Loretta, with the expansion and inclusion of Black, Asian-American, Filipino and Native American students.
From the foundation's beginning by awarding scholarships, it has continued to do so but it provides so much more. It has evolved to include one-on-one mentorship, leadership development and direct career connections. The Carreón Foundation not only provides comprehensive
resources to achieve academic success but encourages students to be engaged as civic leaders. Much kudos go to the organization for its achievement of a 90% post-secondary completion rate among its participants. It's important to note that many alums return to the community as mentors, civic leaders and professionals who uplift others.
The leadership and board of the foundation comprise respected culturally and racially diverse community leaders and take great pride in celebrating students achievements with an annual scholarship awards banquet.
Carreón was born into a poor family but was determined to improve his life. As an adult, with a successful practice as an opthomologist in Los Angeles, he heard about the Coachella Valley and the Mexican communities' health care issues. After returning locally on the weekends offering pro bono health care, he relocated to Indio and opened a practice. Carreón purchased a significant amount of land, which among other important civic projects, he donated a portion of on which he co-founded Indio Community Hospital in 1966, later JFK Memorial Hospital.
The foundation's first 25 years, prior to Loretta serving as executive director, operated at a low level of scholarships and monies spent for high school graduates going to colleges and universities. Up until 2015, the average total amount awarded in scholarships was $20,000-$25,000. Thereafter, it increased with $50,000-$70,000 awarded. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, returns on investment were not sufficient to support scholarships. However, starting in 2016 with Loretta's leadership, he began fundraising operations to grow the foundation with grants and sponsorships to add capital, including growing an impressive amount of community partnerships and with Rotary Clubs. He shared that Palm Desert Rotary has a scholarship program through the Carreon Foundation.
Matching dollar for dollar with the club generated more awards and more monies to match the Rotary's 20 scholarships. There are 15 Rotary Clubs in the Coachella Valley, and 10 work with the Carreón Foundation. Two grant writers are also credited for successfully securing grants growing awards every year.
This year is a significant milestone, with the organization having awarded a total of $370,000 in 120 scholarships and financial assistance, the most ever given. The record setting year reflects the efforts of the board and Loretta's leadership to garner community partnerships, individual donors and grants, true community investment in education.
Loretta hopes that in the next few years, scholarships will increase to 200 young people awarded for total $500,000. He said there are a total of 500 applications submitted for 120 spots, and most of those who apply qualify for scholarships. Trending for students receiving scholarships to attend college are gravitating to health care, hospitality and education as preferred careers. Wanting to help even more students, Loretta and the board are looking to generate new sources of money.
The importance of providing local high school students with their first scholarship or financial assistance goes far beyond the financial support itself. It is "boost of confidence, self-worth and improved self-esteem," Loretta said. It demonstrates that "someone believes in them which translates to believing in themselves."
With great pride in his voice, Loretta cannot say enough about the students receiving these opportunities through the foundation, and says, "Working with youth is a blessing and an honor."
The 20th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will take place Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. with emcee Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage. For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact NPD co-chair Kristin Bloomer at 617-429-6070 or via kristinbloomer@gmail.com.
Eva Guenther-James currently serves as board secretary for AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter and is an NPD Awards Committee member, as well as serving on two other local boards. She worked more than 25 years in the local nonprofit sector and eight years in city government.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: National Philanthropy Day honors outstanding philanthropic foundation
