This auction is supports the efforts at the Los Mangos Library in Puerto Vallarta in re-establishing the library collection of Sally Conley, who died in December 2008.

Puerto Vallarta recently lost one of its grand altruistic citizens, with the sudden passing of Sally Conley, on Monday, December 1, 2008. Founder of the Biblioteca la Higuera, this amazing lady worked tirelessly to build a library under the giant fig tree in the courtyard behind her house, to create a literary oasis for the needy children in Pitillal.

What started out as a little library soon became filled with children’s books in both English and Spanish. There were also craft classes for the children to be able to express themselves artistically, all set in a friendly and loving environment, and staffed with volunteers to help them learn and grow in the one-on-one and small group attention that many of them lacked in school.

Conley believed in the magic of reading and worked tirelessly to impart this gift to the children who adored her and frequented her special little library. She will be dearly missed by the children in Pitillal and everyone who knew her.

– by Cynthia Beare, Virtual Vallarta

Fab Hat Party

I’m hearing some inviting rhythms from the live band in the room. I am looking out at the lights of Puerto Vallarta and the bay. I am holding a cocktail in one hand and a delicious appetizer in the other. And I am wearing a fabulous HAT!

At least that is what I hope I will be doing on the evening of Friday, April 17, when SPCAPV holds its Fabulous Hat Party at Hacienda San Angel’s Puerta del Cielo over-looking Banderas Bay.

Whether you want to put on your Easter Bonnet, express your inner soul or favorite cause with an Art Hat, or sit primly with your carefully adjusted tiara glittering in your hair, this is the event you’ve been waiting for: an excuse to get yourself a head covering of some sort! This is an evening where a bad hair day won’t matter; and not having any hair at all, well, that’s just a skin-hat!

Have you ever wanted to be caught “peering out from underneath your hat?” Have you ever wanted to “tip your hat?” When was the last time you saw somebody do that? And then, what about tossing your hat into the air? Or off a balcony? Here’s your chance!

Of course, hats are not required.

The Fab Hat Party will offer cocktails, appetizers, dancing and a silent auction. Janice Chatterton, owner and gracious hostess of Hacienda San Angel, has never sponsored a fundraiser that has not sold out. Hacienda San Angel is one of the treasures of Puerto Vallarta, and this is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy its ambiance in a unique and happy way.

Tickets are $50 US and can be purchased at Cassandra Shaw Jewelery, Basillio Badillo 276, in the Romantic Zone; or at Hacienda San Angel, Miramar 336, in Centro.