Supporting the SPCA de PV

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It's a sign of the growing appreciation and support for the SPCA de PV (Sociedad Protectora y Compasiva por los Animales de Puerto Vallarta A.C) that their no-host dinner at Banana Cantina on March 12th was sold out within a few days of the announcement.

Seventy people came for dinner and another dozen or so – mostly donors of wonderful things for the raffle and live auction – crowded every available spot for the post-dinner activities.

Board members Heather Wilson and Cathy Gordon, along with Cathy's visiting daughter, Marina, organized the event and the dazzling array of goods and services for the raffle and auction.

The charming music of flautist Andrea Jupina opened the festivities. She and the waiters did their own sort of dance, trying to move out of each other's way as the dinner got underway.

Following dinner – delicious, as always, and percentage of that night's restaurant receipts contributed to the SPCA de PV by owners Debbi and Mike Eagan – the excitement began in earnest, when high spirited raffle and auction master, Gil Gevins, took over. When not auctioneering, he moonlights as a humor author and co-owner of Lucy's Cucu Cabana. The shop contributed a number of sought-after raffle prizes.

Lucky raffle winners got gift certificates from Blu by Len, Yoga Vallarta, and Bumerang. Dinner certificates were donated by restaurants Mama Delores, Encuentros, Tu Chilies, The Deli and more.

Glamorous Cassandra Shaw appeared with one of her famous pups Leonardo and MJ Bean under each arm. They were modeling her custom made dog collars. She will make similar collars to order and will donate a percentage of the price to the SPCA de PV. In addition, she also contributed a pair of terrific earrings and a gift certificate from her jewelry shop. But she didn't stop there, after arriving for the post-dinner action, she bought so many raffle tickets that she actually won a couple of items donated by others.

Mama Delores, occasionally known as Grant Humerund, whose restaurant was another generous donor, came for dinner, also bought a slew of raffle tickets...and won!

Artisans' works were contributed by Lucy's Cucu Cabana and, for the dogs and their chocaholic owners in the crowd, Xocodiva donated both chocolates and doggie biscuits.

Among the auction items were a winsome Dwayne Barker cat drawing, a certificate for three days and two nights at the Westin Resort and Spa, an iPod, Jo Malone Fragrances and two baskets of high end skin and sun protection products.

What wonderful loot!

All combined, a total of $21, 114 pesos was raised to help fund the efforts of the SPCA de PV.

Founded by a group of dedicated animal lovers, the SPCA de PV is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. Members are Cathy Gordon and Heather Wilson and officers are Secretary, Luz Wong; Treasurer, Janice Chatterton; and President, Gretchen DeWitt. None receive salaries.

The SPCA de PV depends on donations, monthly pledges and volunteers to meet their obligations. The financial records are open for inspection.

Interested in helping out or adopting a pet? Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website www.spcapv.com for more information.

By Barbara Bode