Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - River Café was the exotic setting for the Becas Breakfast in March, but we didn't have to turn people away as we have always done in the past.

This time bronchitis, colds, and other infirmities decimated our supporters. E-mail after e-mail, telephone call after telephone call informed me that someone who had reserved a place was not going to be able to attend due to illness. We are sorry so many were sick, and sincerely hope they are now well and ready for the last breakfast of Becas' 2014-2015 fund raising season, scheduled to be held at Coco's Kitchen on April 15 at 9:30 am.

Becas' Vice Presidents Pat Bendix and Linda Wirth greeted all comers at the door of The River Café, where the reserved tickets were waiting to be picked up. Becas Members Richard Bendix and Aurora de la Torre obtained their long strings of tickets from raffle master Terry Wirth and proceeded to circle the room selling the tickets for $50 pesos each, or 3 for $100 pesos. The hot food was served promptly by genial waiters and soon all were enjoying the morning with restaurant owner Eva Sanchez and her efficient staff.

Local author Gil Givens delighted everyone with his imitable humor as he called out the winning raffle numbers in both English and Spanish. Squeals of pleasure emitted from all areas of the restaurant as supporters found they had won a valuable prize from one of the generous donors below. We are so gratified for their generosity and ask you to help us say thank you by using their services:

• Las Adelitas Restaurant • Alexander A. Salon • Andales Restaurant • Archie's Wok
• Botanical Gardens Vallarta • Bravos Restaurant Bar • Casa Isabel • Cassandra Shaw Jewelry • Café des Artistes • Cheeky Monkey • Coco's Kitchen • Florart • Maripepa Gonzales • Flowers To Go • La Palapa Restaurant • Lucy's Cucú Cabaña • Marcelo Mico Pilates • Melchor Cortes Spanish School Vallarta • Nacho Daddy Mex-Tex Restaurant & Bar • River Café • Teresa Luna Massages • Toya's Salon • Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates

You can expect nothing less when we close the season at Coco's Kitchen on April 15, 2015 at 9:30 am. The owner, Coco Iñiguez, with her affable staff, will be there to see that everything is to your liking. There will be many raffle prizes and door prizes, too.

As always, you must buy or reserve your tickets in advance. You can do that with any member of Becas or with Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or phvicars(at)gmail.com. Just don't get sick so you won't be one of the phone calls or e-mails this time.

We look forward to seeing all of you at Coco's and want to thank you for your continued support of Becas Vallarta, A.C. Don't forget that all our funds go toward helping bright students of limited means reach their educational goals, which they desire and deserve.

Call me and you will be set for a joyous breakfast with good friends for a cause which can change the world.

Banderas News Editor's Note: Coco's Kitchen is located at Pulpito #122 on the South side of Puerto Vallarta.