Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's happenings, community announcements and a couple of weekend events that you won't want to miss.

Jewelry and Cocktails and Fundraising, Oh My!

While you're doing the South Side Shuffle tonight, make a point of stopping by Kathleen Carrillo Galleries (Constitucion #325, next to Banderas Bay Trading Company) where Angela Lovett and her friend will have a trunk show of their original jewelry and leather purses. They will donate 10% of their sales to Purr Project, a non-profit shelter in Puerto Vallarta that provides homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal to adopt them out to loving homes. And, speaking of PuRR Project, tickets to the February 7th Fashion Show at Daiquiri Dick's are selling out fast! Don't miss your chance to see all of the latest fashions in tropical clothing and accessories, while enjoying your fabulous three-course brunch - complete with mimosas! Tickets cost just $450 peso and are now on sale at Daiquiri Dick's, at Sucesos Boutique, at Colección LaBohemia, at the Purr Project adoption booth in front of Daiquiri Dick's on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm - or by contacting Marilyn Khan at exkhan(at)usfamily.net. Click HERE for more information.

2017 Copa Guayabitos National Volleyball Tournament

On Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29, the best volleyball players in Mexico will gather on the beach at Rincón de Guayabitos for the 2017 Copa Guayabitos Volleyball Tournament. Organized by the Compostela Municipal Hotel Association and sponsored by the State Secretary of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Trust the competition offers $30,000 pesos in prizes for the winners in the open category for both the women's and men's divisions, and medals and trophies for the winners of the children's and teens' categories. The event has also received the endorsement of the Mexican Volleyball Federation and the Nayarit Volleyball Association, so the competition will serve as practice for the younger set as they head into the 2017 National Olympics competitions. Contenders from Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Pueblo, Ciudad de México, Baja California, Norte, Sonora, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit will participate in this year's event. The games will be played on the beach volleyball courts in an area known as "Las Escolleras," where the picture-postcard perfect Isla del Coral provides an inspiring backdrop for both the players and the general public, who can come watch the games free of charge. For more details, (in Spanish) visit hotelesdeguayabitos.com.mx.

Casa Connor Open House, Thursday, February 9th

Please join us for the Casa Connor open house! Created as a living legacy to honor the life of 15-year-old Connor Vanderveen, who died in 2011 of complications related to Hunter Syndrome, Casa Connor is a new 22,000 square foot facility operated by Pasitos de Luz. Located in El Pitillal, Pasitos de Luz is a marvelous day care facility for children with special needs. This non-profit organization provides children with various handicaps with a caring and loving environment, along with treatment for individual rehabilitation, nutritional meals, physical stimulation and therapy. With a focus on serving and enriching the lives of children with physical and mental disabilities in the Puerto Vallarta area, Casa Connor is an extension of Pasitos de Luz, providing the facilities and services that allow these kids to receive all the therapy they require - free of charge. On Thursday, February 9th, Pasitos de Luz will celebrate the opening of this new facility with an Open House from 9 am to 12 pm, offering everyone the opportunity to tour the premises, meet the staff and learn more about the services offered as well as donor options and benefits. A snack bar and beverages will be available. If you'd like to join us, please send an email to info(at)pasitosdeluz.org to confirm attendance. Free transportation will be provided from Sam's Club at 9:00 am. The bus leaves at 9:15 and will bring you back to Sam's after the tour.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• South Side Shuffle Offers Fun and Friendly Shopping

• Mercado Los Mangos Opens Saturday at Los Mangos Library

• Music, Theater, Drag Shows and More This Weekend at Act II