| Third International Festival of Altruism - Brief Review
By Jesús de Avila - The Editor - June 2006 - Festival Photo Gallery
Once again this past Sunday, May 21st. the ample and beautiful gardens of the Marriott Hotel Casa Magna in Puerto Vallarta, saw the manifestation of the great level of devotion of hundreds of people who are committed to being part of a  huge group contributing unselfishly every year, so that various relief foundations in the area of the Banderas Bay may carry out their altruistic work for that niche of inhabitants that truly require a constant economic support in specific ways. And moreover ―as was mentioned by Mrs. Nelly Barquet during her brief and touching participation― "the children and adults we are helping through our institutions mainly require our attention, a caress and a hug. More than economic support they need our love"
With a record attendance of approximately one thousand people ―according to my calculation― the third Festival of Altruism started at 6:00 pm. The principal attraction was to taste tons of gastronomical samples that had been donated by more than 40 restaurants and sponsors, as a fantastic and valuable contribution including of course also the presence of its collaborators coupled with tremendous dedication and enthusiasm to participate. It may be mentioned that amongst all of them, the team of collaborator from the host hotel Marriott Casa Magna was the most outstanding one. In spite of the great bustle and hustle they were lavishing attention, joy and excellent service at all times.
Once the festival had initiated, the attending crowd immediately began to form rows awaiting its turn to receive very generous portions of exquisite samples of recipes and dishes, with influences from almost all corners of the world. Naturally the authentic and traditional food of our Puerto Vallarta was also present. Some restaurants also offered refreshing samples of their most popular, attractive and special cocktails or drinks.
 Soon the event turned into a huge friendship festival where the exquisitely surprised faces were the center of attention of the press photographers. The whole time the place was governed by an atmosphere of true union. The presence of many children was outstanding and with their gestures and laughs they cheered everyone up. The attendees also showed interest in getting to know more about and to participate in those relief institutions that would receive the raised funds.
In a warm ceremony and presentation headed by Kelly Trainor and Lita Aguirre, each one of the institutions through a representative touchingly expressed their thanks to the assistants and the sponsors for their presence and invaluable participation. They presented their mission, as well as the form in which the funds that are given to them every year will be used. At those moments a little of the magnitude could be perceived of what it means for the institutions to receive this help. Amongst great applauses the work of each foundation was acknowledged as well as the contribution of each one of the sponsors. Above all the grand level of commitment and personal devotion of the organizers and coordinators, Kelly Trainor and Lita Aguirre was recognized. Both of them in turn thanked the fantastic collaboration of Mr. Withelaw, general manager of the Hotel Marriott Casa Magna in a very special way. Mr. Whitelaw spoke a few words in representation of all his staff emphasizing that it is a privilege and honor for the Marriott Hotel to collaborate with the festival and its cause.
 Barbara Pindexter was in charge of the coordination and the brilliance of the following participating groups: the Ballet Pro-Danza, the Latin American Kiacally Group, the Activities team of Vallarta Adventure, the Ritual Fire Group and the Activities team of the Melía Hotel. All of them also unselfishly dedicated part of their valuable and spare time to contribute with magnificent interpretations of music, dancing and native dances as well as with fire and contemporary dances. A beautiful firework presentation marked the closing of the festival.
Attend to the festival it was definitely inspiring. While passing the places where the sponsors and relief institutions were located, I was able to notice that the conversations that prevailed were those of people who committed themselves to continue contributing to the diverse causes, and more over they committed themselves to dedicate part of their time to visit those institutions in order to personally attend to the most needed and to share with them. For me this was the soundest indicator that the effort and work that was carried out is bearing fruits.
Due to its casual and tasteful atmosphere where simplicity prevailed the whole time, due to the spectacular participation of the sponsors and the number of people that attended ―here I would like to point out the incredible response of the great foreign community in our city and the Bay of Banderas who like always, offer their support and are present to contribute to help the most needed― and due to the wonderful manifestation of
everyone ready to continue to participate in and to collaborate with the relief foundations, I consider that the third International Festival of Altruism has been a blessing for all.
 To all of those that participated and contributed, such as the sponsors and the entertainers, the support staff, as well as those that contributed with their attendance, can feel privileged of having been part of this great event, which by the way, was born out of a beautiful source of life, faith and hope that lives inside Kelly Trainor. She was the one who felt restlessness and came up with the original idea to help in the year 2000. Together with her husband and her friend Lita Aguirre she began to bring to life one of the greatest miracles that takes place in our port every year since 2004, and I am sure that thanks to the participation of hundreds of people, it will continue to take place for many more years.
Dear Kelly Trainor, on behalf of all those that receive the support that is generated during this Festival of Altruism every year and on behalf of the community in general, please receive a warm hug and the authentic acknowledgement as a brave, devoted, committed and loving woman.
• Visit the Festival Photo Gallery
• Restaurants & Sponsors:
Archies Wok, La Cabana Club, Brasil, Bogarts, Café des Artists, Charme Repostrería, Club Marival, Collage, Daikiri Diks, Digital Grafics, Dreams, El Dorado, Fondants Pastelería, Kaiser Maximilian, La Estancia, La Palapa, Las Palmas by The Sea, Los Chatos Pastelería, Los Xitomates, Mikado, Nikki Beach, Porto Bello, The River Café, Mestizo, Roots Restaurant, Sabor de Sayulita, Sheraton Buganvilias, Velas Vallarta, Vista Grill, Trio, Vitea, Four Seasons, Holiday Inn – Placeres, Pie in the Sky, Cilantros, Coffe Cup, Corona, Pepsi, Outback Steakhouse, Tequila Mama Lucia, Toldos Chalita, Winners Sound, Zagal Fuegos Artificiales, Presidente Intercontinental
Thanks to all!
Jesús de Avila - The Editor
E-mail: editor@pvmirror.com
Note: Kelly Trainor has been the Consular Agent of the United States in Puerto Vallarta since 1998.
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