It’s a mystery
After last year’s huge success, Lujo Lifestyle in Bucerias decided to host a repeat of their Mystery Art Show.
The show is a way to create a gallery of paintings where accomplished and known artists exhibit anonymously alongside student and amateur artists. This gives buyers an opportunity to acquire an original piece of artwork at an affordable price.
This year’s event showcased 60 pieces of art in various mediums by an array of artists living along Banderas Bay. All artwork was 12” x 12” and all sold for 1,200 pesos. The artist’s name was not revealed until after the painting was purchased.
VIP guests could pay a fee to be among the first to make a purchase. Each buyer received a sticker with their name on it to stake their claim to a painting. Store co-owner Tracy Bonin says she thinks 50 pieces were sold in the first two minutes.
“Mystery Art Show 2019 was a huge success because of our community, our fabulous staff and volunteers that helped us pull off this huge event,” said organizer and store co-owner Floydilou Kerr. “The artists win, the new art collector wins and the children attending CAM School 15 win. The artist received the money from the sale, and money for our project was raised by VIP ticket sales and donations,” said Kerr.
“All your gracious support helped raise 13,200 pesos to provide transportation to three students at CAM 15 this year. Edson, Jean Paul, and Kristal will now be able to attend school for the entire year because of you. The remainder of funds will go towards school supplies.”
Lujo Lifestyle is located at Lazaro Cardenas 500 in Bucerias. Owners Bonin and Kerr organize several charitable events through the year.
Wine survivor
The Wine Survivor raffle held to benefit Paws and Claws spay/neuter clinics was a huge success. Event organizer Linda Ward raised over 45,000 pesos, enough to pay for an entire clinic.
“I knew it would be popular,” said Ward. “But I was still on pins and needles before the big day. I mean, who doesn’t want to win lots of wine? The festival was in town and parking was hard to find, but El Chivero was packed with hopeful winners.”
As it ended up, Ward had nothing to worry about. All 126 tickets were sold ahead of the event and all 126 bottles of wine were on the tables.
The action was mile-a-minute, as numbers were drawn.
“Losers” could buy back in for 100 more pesos, and most did. The second time their number was called, they could buy back in again, which many did.
But when it got to the end, the wine was won.
The third place prize was won by Kathy Crough, second place was Lorrie Tyssen and in a fitting fashion, SayulitAnimals founder and big pet-lover, Sara Griner, won the grand prize of 63 bottles of wine.
The Paws and Claws committee sent a heartfelt thanks to Ward for organizing and running this now annual event.
Spay/neuter
No sooner has the money been raised than the Paws and Claws committee needs to spend it.
A free-to-the-public four-day spay and neuter clinic will take place Wednesday, February 27 through Saturday, March 2 at Calle Heredia 54, just behind Leo’s mini-super on Calle Estaciones.
The vet team from Pets4Life will again be doing the surgeries, as they have for the past three years.
More details and a map to the location can be found on the Paws and Claws Facebook page: “paws and claws – snip – spay & neuter initiative program.”
Those who need more information, would like to make a donation or want to volunteer, should email Clare 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..
A group of La Cruz residents will be sponsoring another spay/neuter clinic with Pets4Life March 6 to 9 at the former Harbormaster’s office in the La Cruz marina.
Meatballs & music
The first show of the 2019 season for the popular La Cruz Players is “Meatballs and Music of Old Broadway,” a spaghetti dinner and show – and a tequila tasting – at Octopus Garden.
The entertainment is set for two nights, March 8 and 15, starting at 6 p.m.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at Octopus Garden restaurant and bar on Calle Coral.
For reserved seating, there is a donation of 500 pesos per ticket.
The dinner and show benefits the Amigos de La Cruz Civil Association Kids Club programs.
A Dog’s New Life
There’s lots of good news for the developing facility, A Dog’s New Life dog shelter (ADNL), near Bucerias.
ADNL has been fortunate lately, receiving donations of building materials such as roofing and fencing to provide housing for dogs which need to be quarantined before being released into the general caninepopulation.
As shelter Director Jessica Garibay explains it, “Dogs which have been fostered can be placed with the other shelter dogs right away, no quarantine to check for diseases that could be spread is necessary.”
The shelter’s big financial news is that it is now associated with Banderas Bay Charities, Inc. (BBC.), making it easier to give donations.
Individuals and corporations will now be able to receive an IRS, Revenue Canada or Mexican Hacienda tax deduction.
If you live in the United States and want to receive an IRS tax deduction, make the donation to Banderas Bay Charities, Inc. (www.bbcinc.org).
If you live in Canada and want to receive a Revenue Canada tax deduction, contact Amy Welch for information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 503-516-4757.
If you live in Mexico and want to receive a tax deduction from Hacienda, contact Amy Welch (see information above).
Some fees are deducted from the donation, such as credit card fees or if the donation is going through PayPal or U.S. bank online (generally 3.6 percent). If the donation is made by check there will be no fee.
There is a 5 percent deduction to cover BBC legal and accounting fees.
Banderas Bay Charities, Inc. is a U.S. 501 (c)(3) non-profit, to support primarily Puerto Vallarta-area charities.
Its mission is to increase educational and economic opportunities that support an improved quality of life by working hand-in-hand with communities and organizations surrounding the Banderas Bay and beyond.
Read more about the BBC at www.bbcinc.org.
You can also make donations through PayPal at paypal.me/adogsnewlife and simply type in the amount of the donation in MXN, CAD or USD currency.