DO-GOODERS HAVE MORE FUN

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by Polly G. Vicars

Having fun while doing good, a fantastic combination that was afforded to the three hundred glamorous and generous Vallartenses who attended the March 6, 2008 Becas Ball. The scene was straight out of Hollywood-- a sea of elegantly appointed tables grouped around a large, lighted dance floor and a view of the waters of the Bay of Banderas gently lapping the shore. The Who's Who of the area mingled to the music of Vallarta's own Los Bambinos during the opening cocktail hour, compliments of the Westin Resort and Spa, where the prevailing mood reflected happiness, generosity, friendship, magnanimity, joy and, yes, magic. As the guests moved from the cocktail venue to our reserved places at the unique square tables set for twelve, I was impressed with the incredible members and supporters of the America-Mexico Foundation/Becas Vallarta who since the early sixties have been giving of themselves, in time and treasure, to lend a hand to the young people of Puerto Vallarta.

How thrilled Bernice Starr, our founder and mentor to hundreds of Becados, would have been to hear the announcements made by our Presidents Mariel and Carlos Fregoso! They introduced Erika Ibarra and María Beatriz Peña Mariscal, happy recent graduates from CUC, Vallarta's branch of the University of Guadalajara, who were able to reach that educational goal through Becas Vallarta. She then accepted a check for almost $7000 Pesos from Los Bambinos, who for the fourth year donated 10% of the yearly proceeds from the sale of their CDs. Los Bambinos have also performed, taking no fee, at this ball and the last three balls. These brothers along with their cousin, are not only fabulous musicians striving for big time success, but fine young men who are determined to finish their educations while never forgetting to help those less fortunate.