Fund-raising is hard work. What event will make donors open their wallets, put down their golf clubs, get off the lounge chairs, put on a bra, or turn off their tablets?
What’s the right ticket price – not too little, too much, but, just right? By positive eavesdropping, the planners try to anticipate and fix the complaints before the events – not enough parking, the food took too long, the wine wasn’t the right temperature, or the weather wasn’t perfect. And all the noble charities are seeking the same pesos, so it’s a survival of the best of the best.
Newbies to lakeside soon learn that there are the popular, multiple day events and get their tickets early or mark their calendars so as not to miss them. These include the Feria Maestros del Arte (mexicoartshow.com), Behind the Walls Home Tours (schoolforspecialchildren.org), and the Chili Cookoff (accesslakechapala.com/events).
Then there are the events that you actively participate in and require some rehearsals and talent, such as dancing for fun and charities in the yearly Thriller extravaganza or performing in the always fun Lip Sync. There is also the effort of many who can sew, just one being Days for Girls now working to provide a washable sanitary napkin kit. And if you have a desire to work off a few calories, you might help Poco a Poco’s efforts to improve the lives of the people in San Pedro Itzicán through the water projects, special skills lessons, and more. And if you’re looking for some quieter times, people are enjoying playing bingo and helping Have Hammers and or participating in the trivia challenges that many restaurants sponsor.
And of course, there are many food events that center around a very special meal. One of the best places for eating is the American Legion in Chapala. Whether it’s their Octoberfest or Shrimp Bowl, people make sure to have room for the great food served there. There’s also a way to combine your love of food with your love of something else, like dogs, for instance. The Spay-Ghetti & No Balls dinner, lovingly put on by Dee and John Mistrik and their hard working team, raises funds to help the dogs in the west end, including the small towns across the lake. During high season, one could almost find a great meal every week that supports a worthwhile charity.
Those of us who have been here a while look for new events to try out. This year there are plans for a fun nine-hole golf tourney to support The School for Special Children and a How to Shop San Juan Cosala tour and luncheon to help the businesses there. Plus, some special “meet the kids” events to support Operation Feed’s Educational programs.
And when the season is almost over and you don’t think you can handle one more special event, think again. What is considered the season ending event, The Gala Dinner and Dance supports Niños Incapacitados and is just the event to wear that outfit you found at a fashion show fund raiser and to put your diet off for another day.
You can learn all about the events by checking out the Guadalajara Reporter, El Ojo, Ajijic News Calendar Page, the posters around town, and the many web boards. And just ask people you meet. Everyone has a favorite one or two events and will gladly share the information gathered over the years.
Come and enjoy the many happenings at lakeside. Know that you can leave the countless lists needing to be completed, the worrying in the middle of the night, and “no rain, please,” dances to us. We are working to make sure that the events are fun and profitable for all the charities in need. If you’re visiting here or retired, it’s great that you can be busy having fun while contributing to so many needy causes. Those of us who plan and work these events send out a loud Thank You!