ICOE Foundation for Education to Host Sixth Annual Autumn & the Arts Fundraiser
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The Imperial County Office of Education’s Foundation for Education will host its sixth annual Autumn & the Arts fundraiser Oct. 1, bringing together community members for an evening of live music, dinner, and auctions benefiting local students.
This year’s event will recognize Roque Barros, executive director of the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation and a recent appointee to the California Arts Council, with the Foundation for Education’s annual Champion for the Arts award.
“It is a great honor for us to recognize Mr. Roque Barros as our 2026 Champion for the Arts,” Foundation for Education President Dr. Todd Finnell said. “His lifelong advocacy for culture and community wellness makes him a true Champion for the Arts for our region and state.”
The fundraiser will include a silent auction featuring 24 pieces of art. Members of the public can preview the artwork and submit bids online through Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the silent auction will go directly to the participating student artists.
The event will also feature a live auction with works donated by local and regional artists.
Among the items is a photograph by award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Paulette Donnellon, whose work includes images of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Salton Sea. Artists Debi Smerdon of DS Art Studio, Cristina Salazar-Saucedo and Juan Rodelo Jr. will also donate artwork for the auction.
The Rainforest Art Project will contribute a mosaic bench and table set created by Salazar-Saucedo in collaboration with students from Del Rio Academy School in Brawley.
Proceeds from Autumn & the Arts will support the Foundation for Education’s scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to Imperial County students.
According to the foundation, more than $21,500 in scholarships was awarded to 43 local students in 2026. Since the scholarship program began in 2019, the organization has awarded more than $120,000 to students over seven years.
The annual fundraiser combines student and community artwork with fundraising efforts intended to expand educational opportunities and financial assistance for students throughout Imperial County.
