Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - It is the quintessential romance food. It’s family food. It’s comfort food for the lonely heart. It’s party food that friends love to eat. It’s a favorite with the kids. Most importantly, the food that Marco Polo brought to Europe from the Far East in the late 13th century also serves as the foundation for a great fundraiser for the heroic men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day... our Puerto Vallarta Firefighters and Lifeguards.

On Saturday afternoon, June 9th, the fire trucks and lifeguard equipment were moved to the street to transform the Puerto Vallarta Department in to a temporary dining hall to accommodate 250 hungry and benevolent Banderas Bay visitors and residents for the Second Annual Spaghetti Friend-Raiser, which generated in excess of $50,000 pesos.

Monies raised have been earmarked for the purchase of special life-saving equipment and training. In addition to the funds, event-goers contributed to "Bring-a-Thing" and donated items like bandages, disposable gloves, over-the counter medicine and array of items that are used on a daily basis.

In addition to a plethora of pastas, sumptuous salads and decadent desserts, guests enjoyed live music provided by Jaime Vegas of Paradise Plaza, a Department tour, firefighter and lifeguard exhibition, a live auction and a raffle.

Sponsors and patrons included Andale Restaurant, Barra Light, Bocon Di Vino, Candy’s Pasteleria, Chuck Mallory, Costa Sur, Cupocity, Daiquiri Dick's, Dreams, Ernesto Castillon, Fiesta Americana, Hotel BuenaVentura Holiday Inn, Hotel Barcelo, Hotel Costa Sur, Hotel Presidente, Irma Guzman Roblyer, Inter Continental, Isabel Olivares, Jaime Vega, Los Chatos, Marriott CasaMagna Resort & Spa, Margaret Souder, Melia, No Way José!, Pan & Que?, Pie in the Sky, PortoBello, PVRPV, Ricotta, Salud Super Food, Sheraton, Suspiro’s Pasteleria, Vallarta Torre, Velas Vallarta and Villa del Palmar. Kelly Trainor, Bert Ramirez, Cindy DuChateau Ramirez and Gary Green served as the organizing committee.

"I am in awe of the support of local businesses and the outpouring of support from residents and visitors alike," commented Lic. Hiram Fernandez Abundis, Department Director. "It was great to see so many people walking up to our firefighters and lifeguards and thanking them for keeping the community safe."

Although the Spaghetti Friend-Raiser is officially over, donations of basic and medical supplies are always needed. For more information on the Department and a current wish list and volunteer opportunities, contact Bert Ramirez at 044-322-141-8407 or via email at bertr280(at)gmail.com.