The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) celebrated its 60th anniversary Saturday, November 7 with a full-day celebration, opening its doors to hundreds of foreign and native residents and dozens of local charity organizations, non-profit groups, business enterprises and entertainers. Representatives of municipal, state and federal government entities were also on hand for the festive occasion.
Guests roamed the grounds, took in the continuous entertainment and sampled food and drinks during the nine-hour “Free-esta” as LCS marked the milestone as the lakeside expat community’s longest lasting altruistic organization.
But reaching senior status by no means implies that LCS is ready to slip into retirement mode. On the contrary, current president Ben White opened the event with an address that went beyond sketching out the past and present to lay out a vision of how the organization intends to expand its services and activities in response to the community’s changing dynamics and demographics.
In addition to all the birthday party fun, a special highlight of the program was the series of thank-you remarks offered by various beneficiaries of LCS’ long-standing student aid program.
The first of those grateful speakers was Livier Ayon (above) who acknowledged the support that allowed her to earn her degree in Human Development and inspired her to launch AbrazArte, a budding social program aimed at promoting the culture of peace and non-violence among local youth. She presented White with a framed written testimonial including her graduation photo and the tassel from her academic cap.
Mayor Javier Degollado (right) presented a commemorative bronze plaque and a floral tribute on behalf of the municipal government in recognition for six decades of LCS altruism that has contributed to the community’s social and economic development.
Rotary Club of Ajijic was one of the many community organizations taking part in the event. Seen here are Club President Gin Pelzl, Tepehua project director Moonyeen King and Tepehua volunteer Dian Abell.