My description of prior Becas Balls as "magical romantic events" is now supported by tangible evidence of its true magic. Barry Hayhurst of Denver, Colorado is one of the many Becas supporters who make an effort to be in Puerto Vallarta for the annual Ball.

Today I received the following email from him:

"My niece, Tracey, meet her future husband at the 2009 Becas Vallarta Ball. We brought her down as a graduation gift and Marco was teaching Spanish at the Solexico school in PVR. I guess you guys are right when you say the Becas Ball is a magical romantic evening."

I wrote to Tracey for approval to tell her story and she was excited to think that she and Marco could help raise money for this foundation changing the lives of thousands of Puerto Vallarta young people.

Her local paper announcement: "Tracey Lee Johnson and Marco Antonio Reyes Centeno, both of Houston, would like to announce their engagement and upcoming marriage," included no hint of the magic that brought them together at the 2009 Becas Ball.

I know these two young people, one American and one Mexican, will always remember the magical moment when they met at an event put on by Mexicans and Americans to make lives better for young people of great ability and little economic resources.

Their backgrounds are testament to their belief in education. Tracey is a graduate of the University of Texas and has a law degree from South Texas College of Law. Marco, from Jonacatepec, Morelos, Mexico has a Bachelor’s degree in teaching Spanish and literature and a Master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language from the Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. We wish them a long and happy marriage and know that they will, like their Uncle Barry, be great supporters of the future Becas Balls.

Another magical Becas Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, in the ballroom at the Casa Magna Marriott. Rocco Troyani and President Mariel de Fregoso have their heads together planning every little detail to make this celebration of Becas Vallarta/America-Mexico Foundation’s Fifty Years of giving scholarships to Puerto Vallarta young people.

The event will begin with a complimentary cocktail hour at 7 pm followed by a four-course sit down dinner with wine, dancing and entertainment by Grupo Odisea of Ciudad Guzman. Dress is casual formal - in Vallarta that means gals dress up and guys come in shirt sleeves.

This is the main fund raiser for this organization which this year is financing the education of 376 bright young Vallartenses with big goals and small economic resources. Come share in the magic and feel a part of this paradise by the sea in the country that welcomes us with such loving arms.

Tickets are $1200 pesos or $100 USD and can be bought by emailing me at phvicars(at)gmail.com or calling me at (322) 223-1371 or 044-322-182-0215. You can also get your tickets from any member of Becas. You can reserve tables of ten when you buy at least eight tickets.