All volunteer run, the not-for-profit International Friendship Club (IFC) has a long list of upcoming events, some fun and some fun and educational, supporting its charitable activities.
I am delighted to report that happy hours are resuming as of this Friday, January 20, at 5 PM. Stroll over to the IFC Clubhouse upstairs at Calles Insurgentes and Guerrero, just north of Rio Cuale, in el Centro. This is a chance to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. Fred will be back at the bar. Popcorn will be served. I would love to see you there.
Many of you brought toys for tots to the IFC’s opening reception in December. These were distributed in January celebration of Dia de los Magos Reyes, also known as Three King’s Day. The volunteers started the day with coffee and hot chocolate with Rosca cake at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta. After loading toys into multiple vehicles, 13 caravans departed for destinations from San Sebastian to Boca de Tomatlan.
The volunteers who distributed the toys to 4,640 kindergartners in 64 schools were touched by the joy and appreciation of the children who received these gifts. Thanks to all who contributed. The difference it made to these children was visible.
The IFC’s first High Tea, at Casita & Garden, last week, was a hit. The tables were set with linen and vases of roses. Tea, scones, assorted sandwiches, and other treats were enjoyed by lovely guests, many dressed up, wearing fascinators and other interesting hats. This event raised funds for the IFC’s charitable activities.
Many of us are looking forward to hearing one of the IFC- supported educational charitable organizations, the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra. They perform at Oscar’s on Isla Cuale, on Sunday, January 21. Salty Paw is part of the Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV), which includes the Vallarta Symphonic Orchestra. This event is always a joy, from the oceanfront restaurant to the lively jazz music, yummy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and, of course, the convivial company. Get your friends together for this not-to-be-missed party. Doors open at 3:30 PM. The concert starts at 4:00. Tickets include delicious hors d’oeuvres and a welcome drink of beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage. Click here to get your tickets. Funds raised are for the benefit of this youth orchestra.
Each year, the IFC conducts the Dia de la Amistad/ Valentine’s Day 50/50 Raffle fundraiser to benefit the charities supported by the IFC. This year, the IFC’s goal is to raise 120,000 pesos. These funds are distributed to local charities that rely on the IFC for support. Three weeks remain to reach this goal. With your help, we will succeed.
Your generosity is appreciated and will help to support charities around Vallarta. Please follow this link to make a contribution by participating in the Raffle.
Find a description of charities supported by IFC here:
Upcoming IFC Event Highlights
- IFC Home Tours, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:15 AM, leaving from the Sea Monkey on the Malecon. Click here for information and tickets.
- Through February 2, at 10:30 AM, IFC Clubhouse. “Borderland Rebels,” a weekly series of lectures by historian Dan Grippo, Ph.D. The dramatic story of the Magonistas, rebels determined to overthrow Mexico’s infamous dictator, Porfirio Diaz, who ruled Mexico from 1876 until he was forced into exile at the outset of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
- Weekly, Bridge Lessons, on Mondays at 9 AM at the IFC Clubhouse. 50 pesos members, 100 pesos non-members.
- Weekly, Social Bridge, on Fridays at 2 PM at the IFC Clubhouse. 50 pesos members, 100 pesos non-members.
- Weekly Spanish language classes. Four levels. 120 pesos/class. Members can purchase 6 classes for 600 pesos (20% discount).
- January 21 – Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra performs at Oscars. See above.
- January 26 – Members Dine Around. Watch the IFC Facebook page and its website’s calendar for dates.
- February 13 – Mardi Gras Happy Hour at Tilt Museo, Calle Pino Suarez, Int 3 (at Basillio Badillo) in the Romantic Zone.
- February 14 – 50/50 Dia de la Amistad/Valentine’s Day Raffle drawing.
All IFC events and offerings are described on its website at ifcvallarta.org or contact the Clubhouse at 52.322.222.5466. Tickets for all activities must be purchased online in advance.
