Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A Bingo! here, A Bingo! there. Bingo, Bingo! Everywhere a BINGO!! Well, not really but I’ll explain later. Wait for it.

Week 13 got started with the financial report via Tim. As of the last event, due to the fabulous generosity of so many wonderful participants, $181,796 pesos had been raised. That, dear friends, was our starting point.

Tim also announced that, sadly, Juan Carlos had called in sick. WHAT! Whatever would we do? Well, I’ll tell you. Shawn of Nacho Daddy volunteered to step into Juan Carlos’ big shoes and act as our substitute caller. What a guy! But first, he went home to shower. A big THANK YOU from all of us, Shawn, not only for volunteering but also for showering.

Robin and Robin began selling the BIG Raffle tickets practically right off the bat. That sort of confused me but I got over it. Carol started working the room, too, hawking her 50/50 tickets. One raffle prize was a certificate for 1 night for 2 at the delightful Casa Isabel, AND a beautiful ring from Cassandra Shaw Jewelers.

The second raffle prize was a 1 year ad provided by BanderasNews.com, AND another beautiful ring from Cassandra Shaw Jewelers. Holy smoke! I bought 3 tickets right away. Not long after, Carol was at my table hoping to sell 50/50 tickets. She was not disappointed.

Looking around the room, I was pleased to note many familiar faces from past bingo nights and the fresh faces of many newbies. Oh, we love the newbies. 66 special people came out to show their support for Yolanda and the Pasitos de Luz project.

While we waited for Mr. Shawn to return, I noticed a little pre-game warming up in the crowd. Some were eating... did you know Nacho Daddy makes Irish Nachos? Just add some potatoes and Voila! Some were sorting their beads, others were just figuring out how to place them on the cards without them rolling off (two sides are flat, you know) and one gentleman was making little flowers out of his beads. Cute. The local group of Aztec dancers passed by, their beads clicking away. Only in Mexico.

Finally, Shawn arrived and we were treated to the sound of his sonorous yet dulcet voice as we began game #1. And, before we knew it, it was half-time. The games moved right along all evening. By half-time, we had played 5 games out of 8, so I guess it was a little over half-time. Anyway, three games were won by ONE TABLE. So you see, there weren’t Bingos everywhere.

We learned that the Big raffle tickets had sold out! Glad I got mine early... not that it mattered. Before the winners were announced, Tim told us that Patty McLane showed up at Bingo, bought 3 cards and 3 raffle tickets, but had to leave as she was travelling. Then, she won the Casa de Isabel prize and a ring! Dedication to the games paid off. Thank you, Patty and congratulations!

Robin Spencer, of Casa de Angel, won the BanderasNews.com ad and a ring. Congratulations, Robin! And, Darren won the 50/50 raffle... a total of $1400 pesos. He donated half to Pasitos de Luz. Thank you for your generosity, Darren.

Shawn began the second, well, less than half of the evening. When all was said and done, that table I mentioned earlier won a total of FOUR games. And, they were newbies. They figured out the bead situation early on it seems. No rolling beads at that table.

The evening raised an additional $8,750 pesos for our favorite day care center for a total of $191,246 pesos.

Congratulations to all the winners, many thanks to all of the fine players who joined us for the evening and also to all of the volunteers who make the whole event possible. Especially, Tim and his staff at PVRPV. The man has enormous energy.

I’d also like to thank Tim for acknowledging my meager contribution. And, I would be remiss if I did not mention Oscar. Oscar took the pictures of the game winners, and will translate this article as soon as I can get it to him. Thank you, Oscar. Oh, and great job, Shawn. I’m not kidding.

Tuesday, April 19 is the very last Bingo night for the season. We need as many of you to show up as possible. We need to make our goal of $200,000 pesos. We are so close. So close. Don’t forget to bring a friend (a new person) and you will receive a free card.

If you bring something from the Pasitos de Luz Wish List, you will also receive a free card. And, don’t forget - all donations from the wish list or gently used items for the thrift store can be dropped off at PVRPV during business hours at Pino Suarez #210 on the south side of Puerto Vallarta.

See you next week! 6:30 at Nacho Daddy! Let’s do it for the children!