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Vallarta Angels II fall-winter/2000 Vallarta Lifestyles is pleased to use this space to give much-deserved recognition to those who give their time to community work, those who demonstrate the capacity to share. In these pages—and knowing that we will leave many unnamed—we wish to pay a small tribute to a handful of individuals who stand out for their altruistic endeavors. There are in this town numbers of concerned citizens and organizations that bring about great good in the community. Some of them are concerned with the need for education. Others care about the health and moral well-being of those whose ailments shouldn't result in isolation. There are some who work with the most sensitive segment of a community: its children; and yet others act on the belief that a healthy community thrives only in a healthy environment. The ideal would be for all of us to ask ourselves what we really care about—people, animals, the planet and then, as our "angels" did, take action to improve their condition. Pedro & Martha Rodríguez Caritas, Naranjo y Fco I. Madero, 222-2121 In Vallarta, three out of seven parishes (Guadalupe, La Aurora, Pitillal) have Caritas, an association, made up of 12 members coordinated by Pedro and Martha. Years ago, Martha's mother founded the Guadalupe dispensary for the sick and destitute and this inspired her vocation to help. "But it is not really help," she argues, "it is an obligation towards our brothers and sisters!" Their concept of charity is not based on feelings. Caritas has a team of social workers whose reports are fundamental in their decisions to help. "In order to be effective, charity has to be organized," says Pedro. Before alleviating material poverty, their goal is to change the mentality of the indigent. So, even though Caritas provides the usual services of the dispensary, its main work is done in the spirit: "Moral poverty and poor self esteem are our targets. They are at the root of prostitution and the addiction to drugs and alcohol. In Caritas we promote human dignity." Craig Caughlan La limpieza de la Bahía de Banderas, A.C., 223-2541 Concerned with the environmental quality of the bay and its watershed, Craig Caughlan assisted in organizing the first Beach and Bay Clean-Up in 1993. Today the twice-yearly event involves 2000 school children. Caughlan has developed the project into a non-profit organization La Limpieza de Bah'a de Banderas..., whose main goal is to educate the community on environmental awareness. With the assistance of the Secretary of Education, the group has held several workshops to educate teachers on this issue. Caughlan has also been instrumental in getting local businesses to donate the necessary items for the clean ups such as trash bags and the much needed beach trash barrels. He is now working on a project that would allow schools to adopt a beach or river area to further instill environmental awareness. Last year alone, because of Craig dedication, over 79 tons of trash were picked up from our beaches and rivers. His dream: not to have to pick up one ounce of trash! Dr. Alfonso Díaz & Ricardo Blanco Organizacion Vallarta Contra el Sida, A.C., Hidalgo 533, Centro, 222-2414 Some times it's hard to make good intentions fit reality: ideals have wings but occasionally they are unable to take off. Alfonso Díaz is a gynecologist who, two years ago, rented an office to assist HIV-infected patients. Looking for a way to contribute to the community, Ricardo joined in the project that he has administered ever since. At the beginning they were faced with apathy but today their objectives seem closer at hand and work gets done on a daily basis. They know that prevention of the HIV infection is crucial, and with this in mind they organize information campaigns. But their actions don't end there. Their plans include offering complete medical attention and drugs to those who cannot afford them and opening a hospice for the terminally ill. They both agree that up to now the response of the community has been phenomenal. Patricia Méndez and Joanne Quickstad International Friendship Club, 222-5466 Caring, dedicated, committed, Patricia Mendez and Joanne Quickstad. These two industrious women have loyally volunteered tirelessly to the International Friendship Club's Clef Palate Program and to networking any child they know of who needs medical help in any way. For the past four years, they have been instrumental in helping over 200 children and adults receive the reconstructive surgery they need to lead a healthy, productive life. Beside running their Terapeutica Massage business, they give many hours of their time each month, overseeing the IFC program coordinating everything from scheduling the dozens of consultations, surgery times, to arranging for donations for the medical teams airfare, meals, lodging and enlisting people to get the endless list of supplies they need to take care of these children. It has been their goal to raise the awareness of the community so people can help them help these kids, which they have done an inspirational job doing. Bob Kistner Creando Nuestro Futuro, A.C. Three years ago, during a visit to some schools in PV's more squalid areas, Bob made a commitment. A man with a powerful vision—not only in the field of business, where he has been so successful, but regarding social issues—Bob decided that his efforts and extra income (that instead of hoarding he chooses to apply to the betterment of the community) would go into making those dilapidated schools suitable for their purpose. "Education—or the lack of it—is at the root of society's problems. It is also the source of their solution." CNF (Creating Our Future), an initiative founded and financed by Kistner, supports the program Adopt a School designed by the government to build modern facilities on land donated by it. Construction is undertaken by the teachers and parents of the children who will study there. Already four primary schools, one kindergarten and one secundaria (middle school) in Vallarta's less affluent colonias are CNF schools.

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