The Foundation for Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Imperial County students, will host its fourth annual Autumn & the Arts fundraiser on October 3. The highly anticipated, sold-out event will feature live music, dinner, a student art exhibit, and both a silent and live auction.
This year, the Foundation is introducing its inaugural “Champion for the Arts” award, honoring four individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on arts education in the community:
- Rainforest Art Project
- Debi Smerdon, DS Arts Studio & Gallery
- Miriam Villarreal-Marcuson, Wilson Junior High School
- Chef Fernando Nuñez, Calexico High School
Rainforest Art Project
Founded by Dan Evers, the Rainforest Art Project has spent more than 20 years inspiring students across the U.S. through the transformative power of art. In Imperial County, the project has collaborated with schools and local governments to create public art, such as the vibrant logo for the Brett Driscoll Sidewinder Skatepark and the sign for the Jimmie Cannon Performing Arts Theater at Southwest High School. The group also teamed up with Oakley Elementary School to create a stunning mosaic fountain, one of the highlights of the event’s live auction.
Debi Smerdon
A professional artist and the owner of DS Arts Studio & Gallery, Smerdon specializes in painting and art instruction. She has contributed a unique ceramic Christmas tree to the live auction, reflecting her belief that art brings balance to students’ lives. Smerdon is passionate about sharing the joys of creativity and believes, “We are created to create.”
Miriam Villarreal-Marcuson
Originally from Central Mexico, Villarreal-Marcuson has taught art at Wilson Junior High School for 10 years. She strives to foster an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where students feel free to express themselves through art. Her students will showcase ceramic vases at the fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting future student projects. “Receiving the award is a great honor to me,” Villarreal-Marcuson said, expressing her gratitude for being recognized as a Champion for the Arts.
Chef Fernando Nuñez
A culinary arts instructor at Calexico High School for 17 years, Chef Nuñez has guided students to develop their culinary skills through hands-on experience, including catering events and participating in real-world projects. His students will provide dessert for the fundraiser, demonstrating the mastery they’ve gained under his instruction. Nuñez emphasized that mastering techniques is crucial in the food industry and takes pride in preparing students for success.
Dr. Todd Finnell, county Superintendent of Schools and president of the Foundation for Education, praised the honorees: “Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated Champions of the Arts. They have enriched the lives of countless students, and we are truly grateful for their passion and support.”
Proceeds from the event will support the Foundation’s scholarship program, benefiting vulnerable students, including those in alternative education or ICOE’s drop-out recovery program. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded over $18,000 in scholarships to 32 students, and since 2019, it has provided nearly $60,000 in scholarships.
The fundraiser also supports two new annual academic events: the Imperial County Arts Festival, launched in 2023, and an E-Sports Competition, introduced in 2024. For those unable to attend, the Foundation encourages participation in the silent auction, which will close at 8 p.m. on October 3.
For more details about the fundraiser or to support the Foundation’s mission, visit foundation.icoe.org/fundraiser.
