Andres Medeles is part of the well-known lakeside family that has blessed the area with renowned musicians, and taught many young lakesiders the benefit of music in their lives.
But at the age of just 25, Andres is battling a grave metastasized cancer.
To help him with his medical costs, Elizabeth Shepard, the owner of Casa del Sol Inn, is holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, September 14, 4 p.m., featuring a gourmet meal, spectacular art and music, as well as raffles of many local services and items.
The art
The afternoon will begin with a silent auction from 4 to 6 p.m., with works available from many of the artists who have shown at the Inn over the last few years. A complementary glass of wine will be offered.
Artworks are by Luci Williams, Karen Spencer, Steve Forman, Larry Orinovsky, Sandra Goldin, Robert Denton, Nancy Diamond, Susie Quiriconi, Efren Gonzalez, James Andrew, Cynde Iverson and Isabel Le Blanc, in addition to a mobile by Roy Quiriconi and hand-blown glass pieces.
The raffles
Guests can participate in a raffle drawing every 15 minutes, with gifts from Trio Mexique, Teocintle, Pasta Trenta, D’Shanti, Vita Bella, Tomahawk, La Pascena, Blue Rose, Go Bistro, Casa del Sol Inn, St Remy, Garufa, Fiaga, Vinos America, Jose Luis Haircut & Style, vouchers for flights on Volaris airlines, a private trip to Tequila, teeth cleaning, tequila, Courvoisier cognac, teeth whitening, a massage for two, a manicure and pedicure and footwear from FlexiShoes.
A 50/50 raffle with an opportunity to win one half the cash collected will also be held.
The meal
At 6 p.m., a traditional, holiday Mexican dinner will include a margarita and a choice of:
• Chiles en Nogada. One of the typical dishes from the state of Puebla, it has been called the “Mexican Dish Par Excellence.” It is prepared with poblano peppers, stuffed with a picadillo and fruit stew, which includes dried fruit, covered with walnut cream (nogada), parley leaves and pomegranate kernels. The colors of chiles en nogada are green (parsley), white (nogada) and red (pomegranate) symbolizing the Mexican flag.
• Mole Rosa with Chicken. Pink mole is originally from Taxco, Guerrero and is said to be inspired by the pink quarry of the Cathedral of Santa Prisca. The main ingredient of this dish is the pine nut. However, to intensify its pink color, beets or pomegranate are usually added. The spicy touch comes from the chipotle chili and the sweetness is achieved with white chocolate.
• Cochinita Pibil. A dish originating in the Mexican southeast. It is made with pork marinated in achiote, sour orange juice and spices and cooked inside a pib, an underground oven, or in pots and ovens. It is served with corn tortillas, red onion and chile habanero.
Dessert is Nieve de Elote.
The music
The Medeles Family Band and the CREM Ensemble will present a concert at 6:20 p.m. featuring songs by the Bee Gees and Latin American love songs.
The cost of the event is 700 pesos per person. All the proceeds will be donated to Andres, and all of the services — kitchen, wait staff, food, wine and music — are being contributed at no cost. RSVP to info@casadelsolinn.