A fundraising dinner and auction was recently announced to benefit the rescue of the Church of Guadalupe crown, one of Puerto Vallarta's most enduring and endearing landmarks. Organized by Puerto Vallarta's Tourism Department, ADEPROTUR and the Patronato Amigos Vallartenses, the gala event will take place on December 7 at the Velas Vallarta Hotel. The associations expect to raise three-million pesos that night, a third of the estimated eight-million required to complete the restoration. Strong participation by the private sector is expected, as the image of the church is the most commonly used to advertise Puerto Vallarta as a tourist destination. The original crown, designed by sculptor Jose Esteban Ramírez, was seriously damaged in 1995 due to an earthquake.

Among those participating in the press conference were: Bob Kistner, President, ADEPROTUR; Lourdes Ayala, Vice-president, ADEPROTUR; Luis Angarita, Director, Velas Vallarta Hotel; Miguel Rodriguez, member, Patronato Amigos Vallartenses; and Oscar Rivero, President, Puerto Vallarta Hotel Association. Call 222-1326 or 223-4257 for more information.