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.

Chili and Pasta Cook Off

Carbohydrate Lovers will spoon over the third annual chili and pasta cook off at La Huerta Grill in scenic Paso Ancho. February 14th, starting at 1 pm, and only 100 pesos buys you all the food you can eat.

If you are interested in entering your favorite dish, you need to be at the restaurant by noon. 100 percent of the proceeds goes to the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) of Puerto Vallarta. The judges are local “celebrities” and employees of the Red Cross. There will be a demonstration by the junior bomberros, too.

Around130 people attended last year and 13 chefs entered the cook off competition. This year 16 cooks have signed up to enter their best dish. Categories for the cook off include, red chili, white chili, cold pasta and hot pasta. For more information contact Douglas, his email is DouglasTiedeman (at) hotmail.com.

Last year around $17,000 pesos was raised and it was used to buy a defibrillator and two batteries for their ambulance.

For more information about the Red Cross, contact the director general, Uriel Castro, at the 322-222-4973.

Hope to see you there!

Now in it’s 9th year, Big Jack’s Annual Make-A-Wish Fundraiser Food Festival is a Puerto Vallarta tradition, giving everyone the opportunity to gather together to share a great meal and enjoy a good time, while supporting Make-A-Wish Mexico.

This year’s Make-A-Wish Food Festival will be held on February 27th from 6 – 8 pm at Fidencio’s Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach. Treat your sweetheart to a fabulous Valentine’s Day All-You-Can-Eat Buffet on the beach featuring:

• Sliced Filet Mignon
• Jumbo Saffron and Garlic Shrimp
• Tenderloins of Pork with Shitake Cream Sauce
• White Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Pasta with Vodka Sauce
• Homemade Pierogi
• Italian Sausage and Peppers
• German Kielbasi
• Beer, Wine, Spanish Sangria, Sodas and Much More!

Tickets cost $300 pesos each and are available at:

• Steve’s Sports Bar, 286 Basilio Badillo
• Lucy’s CuCu Cabana, 295 Basilio Badillo
• Fidencio’s Restaurante, Los Muertos Beach
• or by calling Big Jack at 322-180-0486

Remember this is a “Food Festival Fundraiser” so get ready for a great time and be sure to bring your appetite – and your wallet! All proceeds from the event will help fulfill the dreams of boys and girls from all over Mexico that need the strength and encouragement to face their illnesses and/or the resulting long-term treatments at such a young age.

Make-a-Wish is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are used to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, and are tax deductible in the USA and Mexico. If you would like to volunteer, make a donation, refer an eligible child or adopt a wish, please call (322) 222-9112 or 01 800 DESEOS 1 (337-3671) or visit MakeAWishMexico.org.mx