Join the drive to combat winter chills that beleaguer the native tribes living deep in the mountains at the edge of northern Mexico’s Copper Canyon by attending the Tarahumara Blanket Party on Sunday, January 31, 1-5 p.m., at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 124, Ajijic.
Libby Townsend, founder of the Tarahumara Project, set the date to collect new or gently used blankets, jackets, sweaters, flannel shirts, miscellaneous winter wear and baby clothes. She will also have a stock of baskets, pots, drums and other Tarahumara handicrafts on sale. And artist-chef José Melendrez will be on hand with a selection of his tempting creations.
Everyone who contributes goods or a cash donation will get a ticket for a drawing to win a work of art from the Jeanne Chaussee private collection.
La Bodega is offering a special luncheon menu for the occasion featuring discada, the classic Chihuahua-style mixed grill made of meat and vegetables. An alternate dish will be available for vegetarian diners. There will be live music and bar service. Call 766-1002 to reserve a table.
Townsend launched the Tarahumara Project in 2007 with modest plans for a single trip to give away winter clothing and bedding to impoverished families. Once she fathomed the extent of their needs, she turned the charity venture into a permanent cause.
She is heading north again in the next few weeks to deliver another truckload of items to be distributed to beneficiaries through the Santa Teresita children’s health care clinic in Creel, Chihuahua. For further information, contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.