Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The children’s shelter in Bucerias, Manos de Amor (MdA,) is gearing up for "THE" premier event of 2013. The 9th annual "Rhythm N’ Ribs" fundraiser is set to take place in the plaza of Bucerias centro on Saturday, February 16th from 6 pm to "late into the night." As usual, there will be live entertainment, a raffle with lots of prizes, and a silent auction. And food...lots and lots of food.

All food is provided by local restaurants, businesses and residents such as, of course, BBQ ribs, chicken wings, tacos, tamales, chili, spaghetti, and baked goods. When participants sign up to donate their cooking expertise and their time for the evening, they know that all proceeds from the food and beverage ticket sales will go to the Casa Hogar.

The food and beverage tickets are sold the day of the event beginning at 5:30 pm, costing $10 pesos each. Food booths start serving at 6 pm. The silent art auction features works from local artists, such as jewelry, gift baskets, ceramics and paintings.

This fundraiser has been seeing crowds gradually approaching and then surpassing 2000 people coming out year after year, according to the organizers. "Manos de Amor relies on donations and local community support to operate and feel so fortunate that every year this event just gets bigger and better," according to MdA spokesperson, Nicole Youngquist.

"On behalf of our director, her assistants, and the volunteer staff, we would like to thank you in advance for making this day a reality once again. We would not be where we are today without the love and support of our local communities in and around the bay. We appreciate all of our friends from around the world as well," Youngquist adds.

The association, formed in April of 2004, is a non-profit organization that was born from the desire of a group of citizens in Bucerias to specifically help children in need within the area of Bahia de Banderas. Youngquist says, "The mission of Manos de Amor is to provide love, compassion, and proper education, enabling each child to heal, develop self esteem, and understand the true values of life and society.

"We encourage each child to achieve their full potential while understanding that there is nothing more empowering than the feeling of having a purpose in life. In turn helping our society to progress and prosper in the generations to come," the MdA spokesperson says.

For more information, contact Anne Milling, bucerias(at)prodigy.net.