Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With summer here, many of our local charities are in need of a little extra help, so on July 19 from 6-10 pm, Warique Restaurant in Colonia Emiliano Zapata will be hosting a Summer Benefit for the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza.

Better known as R.I.S.E., the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a non-profit shelter for babies and children under the age of 14. Some of these children are orphans, but most come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected or simply abandoned.

Since R.I.S.E. opened its doors in March 2001, five nuns (Madres) from the Order of Carmelites of Jesus of Nazareth have been living at the shelter and looking after the children on a full time basis. They are currently caring for around 50 happy, energetic, and healthy children.

But funds for simply operating the shelter and providing for the children's basic needs cost more than $5,000 USD per month, which doesn't include other needs and programs, like the children's education. Hence, the good folks over at Warique Restaurant are hosting this benefit.

Dubbed 'RISE with Education @ Warique,' this FUN-draising event will offer attendees the perfect combination of food, fun and friendship with all proceeds to benefit the RISE education fund.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening that includes Warique's outstanding gourmet food, beer and wine, a raffle for great prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction with some interesting items up for bid - all for a good cause!

Tickets are available for $400 Pesos at Warique Restaurant, located at Aquiles Serdan #280 in Colonia Emiliano Zapata, or by calling Ryan here in Puerto Vallarta at 322-134-1405.

If you are not going to be in town, but are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta during the summer months, you can volunteer to help at the Refugio. The children are all out of school by the end of June and many of the "snowbirds" have gone back to the US or Canada, so having volunteers is very important to giving the children individual attention and helping to keep things running smoothly.

The shelter is located at R. Flores Magon #251, Col. Benito Juárez in Puerto Vallarta, and welcomes visitors daily from 11 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm.