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Vallarta Living 
Community Services Many of us have discovered a strong sense of community here on Banderas Bay, some for the very first time. If you're from a metropolis where technology reigns supreme and the words "next-door neighbor" and "stranger" are synonymous, you'll find this a refreshing environment where people matter.

Working side by side with our new neighbors to achieve common goals is an ideal way to learn about the culture and make friends while giving back to the community which embraces us.
 On these pages you'll learn about the various local charities and how you can get involved. With a multitude of opportunities here to flex philanthropic muscles, you can find out for yourself that it truly does feel as good to give as it does to receive!

CLICK HERE for a list of important phone numbers in Puerto Vallarta
CLICK HERE for a list of local charities & non-profit organizations

CLICK HERE for a list of local PV places of worship


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Children of the Dump Summer Newsletter
Arthur Fumerton
 Summer news from the School of Champions, an after-school program operated by the Children of the Dump, a non-profit organization helping the children living around the Puerto Vallarta dump get an education so they can have a better life.
Actress Visits PV's Children of the Dump
PVNN
 While in Puerto Vallarta to host the 2008 Image Awards show, former UjENA pageant winner, Hollywood actress and entrepreneur, Kristina Hughes, took some time out of her busy schedule to visit the Children of the Dump's School of Champions.
U.S. Coast Guard Helps Local Clinic
Peter Gray
 Under the hot sun of an August day in Puerto Vallarta, fifteen volunteers from the USCG Sherman swarmed over the walls of the Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Clinic, scraping and painting as they went.
Becas Vallarta: And the Winners Are...
Polly G. Vicars
 School's back in session, but the cost of school supplies, uniforms, school and tennis shoes have risen alarmingly, thus making Becas Vallarta, A.C. more important than ever to the young people of Puerto Vallarta and to their struggling families.
Making Joaquin's Dreams Come True
Adriana García Lopez
 Each one of the children that we have had the pleasure to meet through Make-A-Wish Mexico has a story that can teach all of us something about life. Take for example, Joaquin, a six-year-old boy with Leukemia.
School of Champions Summer Camp a Success
PVNN
 The last day of the School of Champions Summer Camp was held at the Sheraton, where clowns, prizes and great food wrapped up four weeks of fun for some of Puerto Vallarta's poorest children. BanderasNews videographer, Devon Allistone shows us the highlights.
Tikul to Host Make-A-Wish Benefit Dinner
Adriana García Lopez
 At a press conference held at Tikul Pacific Cuisine in Marina Vallarta, Make-A-Wish event coordinator Adriana García Lopez took a moment to speak with BanderasNews videographer Devon Allistone about MAW and the Benefit Dinner on September 5th.
Fall Teaching Opportunities Available at School of Champions
Robin Noelle
 Local charity and after-school program School of Champions, operated by the Children of the Dump Vallarta, is currently hiring English, Computer and Math teachers for the 2008-2009 school year, which begins in September.
VES Receives Grant Funding from Mexican Government
Paul Crist
 Thanks to a $500,000 pesos grant from the Mexican Government, VES is launching a comprehensive project aimed at stopping the spread of HIV in Puerto Vallarta and encouraging local residents to be tested and enter treatment when required.
Democrats Abroad Get-Out-The-Vote Update
Paul Crist
 Learn more about how the Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico makes it easy for American citizens living in the Banderas Bay area to request and mail their absentee ballots for the U.S. Presidential Elections on November 4, 2008.
Treehouse Bar & Grill 3rd Anniversary
Lori Lorenzen
 On Friday, July 25th, Treehouse Bar & Grill is celebrating their 3rd Anniversary by throwing a party to benefit Children of the Dump, a local charity that helps children living in the neighborhood that surrounds Puerto Vallarta's municipal dump.
2008 Altruism Festival Funds Distributed
PVNN
 Representatives of 24 Banderas Bay area charities and members of the local press gathered together at the Marriott Hotel in Puerto Vallarta on last week for the official granting of funds raised at the 5th Annual International Altruism Festival.
Urgent Blood Donations Needed in Vallarta
Pamela Thompson
 At this time, blood is urgently needed for Kathy Overly's mother, as well as many other hospitalized people who need your help, so please consider donating a pint today! Think if it was you or one of your loved ones in the same situation!
People Need Help, Even in "Paradise"
Hartriono B. Sastrowardoyo
 According to the official website of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, "every day is cause for celebration." Indeed, tourism officials call Puerto Vallarta a "Mexican seaside paradise." 16-year-old Carlie Himelman and her mother, Marie, saw little of that in June.
Poverty in Mexico Prompts Woman to Start Non-Profit Group
The Canadian Press
 When Christena Callaghan went to Mexico in 2006, she had no idea how it would change her life. The trip to Puerto Vallarta opened her eyes to the poverty in the city, and has led her to create a non-profit organization called Angels for Mexico to help them in any way she can.
Help a Kid and Win A Vacation in Yelapa, Mexico
Judith Roth
 Yelapa's Children's Center, Casa de Imaginación, is holding their 2nd Bi-Annual Raffle until October 11, 2008. Buy your tickets today for your chance to win a week's stay in one of Yelapa's lovely tropical lodgings.
EntreAmigos Summer Workshops Start Soon
Nicole Swedlow
 Summer is here and entreamigos Summer Workshops in San Pancho are about to begin! This year's Summer Workshops program is impressive in size and scope with 42 different classes to be offered over the 5 weeks of summer.
CEMEX Construction Begins on RISE Stimulation Room
PVNN
 Thanks to CEMEX, its partners, local residents and volunteers, Cristhian and Vanessa Rios from the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.) recently oversaw the first phase of a long awaited project - a much-needed new Stimulation Room at the Refugio.
CasaMagna Marriott Resort and Spa Donates to Agape Shel
Bob Cohen
 For Dennis Whitelaw, his staff and employees of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta resort in Marina Vallarta, the word "serve" has a special meaning, as evidenced earlier this week when they donated books to AGAPE, a local shelter for abused young girls.
El Arrayán Hosts Special Charity Night to Support Children of the Dump
Robin Noelle
 El Arrayán invites the public to attend a special evening of great food and live music to benefit the Children of the Dump's summer camp program on July 12th from 7 to 9 pm.
Changing Lives - One Child at a Time
PVNN
 Even though most everyone agrees that education is the key to living a productive and satisfying life and that it should be available to every child, that is not always the case for Puerto Vallarta kids. That's where Becas Vallarta and the America-Mexico Foundation come in.
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