Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Some of Puerto Vallarta's finest men went out on a limb last Wednesday, donning garish make-up, wigs and dresses and parading around in high heels in Puerto Vallarta's first-ever drag competition for straight men, aptly named 'What a Drag.'

Now you might think this is a little strange - and you would be right! - but what you may not know is that these straight guys provided the awe-stricken crowd with a whole lot of good clean fun and plenty of belly-clutching, rolling-on-the-floor laughter to raise money and awareness for victims of domestic violence in the Banderas Bay area.

The competition began at 8:00 pm, with all of the contestants - Sean Moore (Nacho Daddy), Conner Watts (Los Muertos Brewing Company), Karl Griffin (Casa Isabel), Fast Eddie (Eddie's on the River), Nick (Steve's Sports Bar), Phil Gibbons Smyth, Paul Flippen, Bert Ramirez and Mark Schneider - bravely and brazenly standing up (in drag) against domestic violence.

Each contestant was asked a juicy question, then, after a quick costume change, entertained the audience in a variety of styles that ranged from hilarious skits to singing, dancing and lip-synching. Every one had their own personal style, staying true to their drag personas.

After the last 'Drag Queen' had amused the audience with his uproarious antics, everyone in the audience was asked to vote for their choice of winners. During a short intermission, the votes were tallied.

And the Winners Were...
(drag names)  {Fairy Drag Mother}

Oh Miss What A Drag 2015: Fast Eddie (Skittles) {Miss Conception}

1st Runner Up: Paul Flippen (Felicia Muffdig) {Kim Kuzma}

2nd Runner Up: Karl Griffin (Precious) {Shirley Martin}

Miss Congeniality: Mark Schneider (Sheila Blige) {John Patrick Whelan}

Miss Most Likely to Continue a Career as a Drag Queen: Nicholas Scott (Nick-O-Leana) {Carla Corral}

Miss Looks Prettier as a Woman: Phil Gibbons Smyth
(Phillis Dildo) {Marilyn McPhail}

Between the 9 contestants who dealt with sore feet, itchy makeup and all of the 'tucking' that had to be done; the "Fairy Drag Mothers," who helped turn the guys into 'girls'; the event's fabulous co-emcee's Drew Baldridge and Christie DuChateau; the volunteers who went above and beyond; the restaurants and catering staff who served pre-show nibblies; the event steering committee, Ray Vallarta, Jim Lee, Freda Thompson, Pat Carey, and Vicki Steuteville; all of the event sponsors; and the management and staff of Act II Entertainment, over 40 people worked together to produce the comedy event of the season.

Mil Gracias go out to all of the local business and members of the community who sponsored this over-the-top event in support of the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter:

Platinum Sponsors

• Rachel and David Eiselman Foundation • PV Fly Boarding on Los Muertos Beach • Bryan Miller and Brian Whitaker • Casa Vallarta • Signature / Pinnacle • PV Boat Club

Gold Sponsors

• La Noche • Los Muertos Brewing Company • Mercurio Hotel • Tropicasa Realty • Eddie's on the River (Utopia) • Nacho Daddy • PVRPV • No Way José! • Bravos • R Salon • Cassandra Shaw Jewelry • Hacienda Escondida • Steve's Sports Bar • Casa Karma • Navigate Vallarta • PV Web Solutions • Jim Lee Events • Free World WiFi • Casa Isabelle

Silver Sponsors

• Jim Lucas and Paul Dilda • The Sharketts • The Viagra Cartel • The Estrogen Cartel • Vallarta Food Tours • Bang On T-shirts • Derby Berger • Cindy DuChateau • Jim Davis and David Wilhoit • Vick and Pat Goodwin • Steve Mooney

Thanks also go out to the generous crowd who, after intermission, bid on everything from catered bay cruises to Mimi Martini's men's size 14 patent leather boots, and to the International Relief Teams from San Diego, CA, who pledged to match all donations up to a total of $10,000 USD.

When all was said and done, the first annual 'What a Drag' competition was a complete success, packing the house at Act II Entertainment Stages and raising $400,672 pesos for the women and children at Banderas Bay Women's Shelter.

About The Banderas Bay Women's Shelter

The Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is working with Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family Inc. and Mexican Social Services to provide an immediate, temporary and safe living environment for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence; to prepare them to be financially independent through jobs, education, English second language education, non interest small business loans; and to assist them in living a life free of violence through professional counseling.

Vida Reavivida A.C. is a not for profit charitable organization that is registered with the state Jalisco. For more information about Vida Reavivida A.C. and the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter, please visit CompassionForTheFamilyMx.org, find them on Facebook, or contact David Zude at compassionforthefamily(at)yahoo.com.mx.