An exhibit honoring Coachella Valley pioneer and philanthropist Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon is now open at the Coachella Valley History Museum. His foundation has donated over $1 million in scholarships since 1991. PHOTO: Courtesy of Dr. Carreon Foundation

By Tony Aguilar, Coachella Unincorporated

INDIO, Calif. — A new exhibit honoring the late Dr. Reynaldo Carreon, an Eastern Coachella Valley pioneer and philanthropist, is now open at the Coachella Valley History Museum, located at 82616 Miles Avenue.

The “Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon: A Source of Inspiration and Giving” exhibit and the reopening of the Jardin del Desierto were made possible by the efforts of the Dr. Carreon Foundation.

Donated by the Carreon family in 1988, the Jardin del Desierto, or Desert Garden, was dedicated to the early Hispanic settlers of the Coachella Valley. Revitalization efforts of the garden included clean up, overhaul and the planting of native desert plants.

“The exhibit will highlight some of the many achievements that the doctor accomplished in his life, tools used during his years as an optometrist as well as the legacy left behind by Dr. Carreon and his family,” said Gloria Rodriguez, executive director of the Dr. Carreon Foundation.

The Coachella Valley Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The museum’s mission is to preserve, interpret and share the artifacts that create a dialogue about the evolving history of the Coachella Valley.

The late Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon established the Reynaldo J. Carreon M. D. Foundation prior to his death in 1991. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million dollars in scholarships to more than 400 college students of Mexican American descent.  In addition, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Dr. Carreon Park and the Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr. Academy in Indio are named in his honor.

For more information, please visit www.carreonfoundation.org.