7th Annual R.I.S.E. for Hope Fundraiser
by Sue Fornoff
February 7th is the date of the 7th annual RISE for HOPE fundraiser benefiting the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza children’s shelter in Puerto Vallarta. This once a year gala party raises much of the money needed to run the shelter that is home to approximately 50 children.
The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, A.C. (R.I.S.E.), is a non-profit shelter for infants and children under the age of 14 who have been turned over to R.I.S.E. by DIF (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia), a Mexican government organization that is the legal representative for minors under the age of 14.
DIF’s main objective is to reintegrate these children with their families, but this is not always possible. R.I.S.E. gives these children a safe and loving place to live because they have no other choice in their lives.
Party-goers this year can expect some fun changes. A gala Mexican Fiesta theme will showcase the delicious food from many of Vallarta’s excellent restaurants and regional entertainment. And a perennial favorite, a singing and dancing performance by the children of R.I.S.E. is sure to please everyone.
New this year are some innovative ticket-buying opportunities.
Ticket prices have been kept the same price as last year – $400 pesos or $40 (US or Canadian) for pre-sale tickets, and $450 pesos or $45 at the door.
For those out-of-town or needing a quick ticket buying opportunity, tickets can be purchased using a credit card through Pay Pal. For more information visit the Refugio website at Refugio-Infantil.org, and click on “How to Make a Donation.”
Reserved Patron Tables will be available for sponsors of a group of 10 people preferring a table reserved in a prime location, admission 1/2 hour in advance, and a waiter specifically to focus on their needs. These tables can be purchased at a cost of $7500 pesos or $750 US/Canadian by contacting Carmen Berkowitz at (322) 222-5713 or Connie Vincent at 221-5972.
An exciting assortment of artisan crafts, gift certificates and more will be up for bids in the silent auction. The live auction will give everyone the chance to bid on a golf package, a laptop computer, a beauty package by len, resort stays and more.
Raffle tickets will be available at the party and also in advance. A fabulous first prize has been donated by Air Canada – two round-trip tickets to any of their North American destinations, including Hawaii! Raffle tickets are just $20 pesos each or 3 for $50 pesos and – you do not have to be present to win.
R.I.S.E. is proud to have many local real estate companies join in as sponsors of the annual fund raiser. Cochran Real Estate, Pancho’s Villas, Coldwell Banker La Costa, Mexlend, Realty Executives Vallarta, Timothy Fuller & Associates, Applegate Realtors, Bayside Properties and Taheima Wellness Resort and Spa have all committed themselves to helping R.I.S.E. meet the needs of the children for the next year by sponsoring R.I.S.E. for HOPE.
This spectacular event will again be on the spacious grounds of the American School in Marina Vallarta. Don’t forget – The date is Saturday, February 7th, from 5 to 9 pm.
Tickets are now available at the following locations:
- Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (322) 222-7857
- Curves – Pulpito 146 (322) 222-8621
- Daiquiri Dick’s – Olas Altas 314 (322) 222-0566
- Riedesser y Asociados S.C. – Plaza Marina local B-8 (322) 221-0724
- the American School – Albatros 129 (322) 221-1525
- The International Friendship Club
If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, contact Chris Amo at keithamo (at) msn.com
The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a non-profit shelter for babies and children under the age of 14. Some of these children are orphans but most come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected, or simply abandoned. R.I.S.E. is a Mexican non-profit charitable organization, which accepts donations through a number of charitable organizations. More information about tax deductible donations can be found at their website: Refugio-Infantil.org.