Funds For Learning is proud to have sponsored Autumn & the Arts, the sixth annual event hosted by the Foundation for Education for the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE). Over 200 community members gathered to celebrate artwork created by local students and recognize the work the Foundation performs year-round to support students throughout the county. Imperial County is located in rural southern California between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. Largely rural, the county has a rich agricultural heritage, which includes the production of half of our nation’s winter vegetables
What the Foundation for Education Does
The Foundation for Education is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an auxiliary of ICOE. It funds countywide student events, scholarships, arts programs, and other initiatives. The Foundation focuses on the “whole child,” with an emphasis on at-risk youth and students with special needs.
Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to at-risk students and students with special needs who attend a career technical school, community college, or university.
Student Work at the Center of the Evening
Student artwork from this year’s Imperial County Arts Festival was part of a silent auction with 100 percent of the proceeds going to students as Foundation for Education scholarships.
Eighth graders at Wilson Jr. High and Kennedy Middle School also made ceramic vases for the event. Guests could purchase a vase for a chance to win a mystery crate or flower arrangement.
Culinary arts students from Imperial High School prepared desserts for the event. Guests indulged in delicious olive oil, pistachio cakelettes and brown-butter espresso tiramisu. The night culminated in special recognition of Karissa Ruiz Ovando for her short film I Am Seen. This animated film reminds youth of the importance of supporting peers, that they are seen, heard, and not alone in their struggles. A 2026 Southwest High School graduate, Karissa Ruiz Ovando received first place in Region 1 (San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County) of the Directing Change Film Competition in May 2026, and advanced to the statewide round of judging, where she earned a People’s Choice award.
Why It Matters
Funds For Learning work with schools and libraries, and events like Autumn & the Arts connect us with the communities those organizations serve. Participating in the evening gave us a way to support students in Imperial County directly.
Events like these remind us how important our communities are in supporting students and fostering their talents and dreams. Next year’s event will be on October 7, 2027. To support the Foundation, visit the Foundation for Education website.
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About the Author: Cathy Benham brings 20 years of E-rate experience to Funds For Learning’s Guide Teams. Based in Southern California, outside of work, she and her husband love catching live music whenever they can, and as an avid international soccer fan, she considers the World Cup pure heaven.