Becas Vallarta, an important local charity here since 1962, provides partial scholarships to bright local youngsters who might otherwise be forced to drop out of secondary school or university due to lack of funds - many of the town's most high profile professionals enjoying their careers thanks to this program. And while an annual gala dinner and dance with both live and silent auctions and a raffle raises a good chunk of the funds received, the community holds various events to do its part. On November 28, the Santa Barbara Theater presented Becas with a share of the proceeds from two benefit performances of Patrice White's "Murder Mystery, Recipe for Murder." If you would like to learn more about this vital work, contact Mary Ellis at mjellis@prodigy.net.mx.