Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – On July 9, interim Mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil welcomed renowned American philanthropist John David Arnold, founder and executive director of Portable Practical Education Preparation (PPEP), to Puerto Vallarta. Arnold’s organization aims to donate emergency vehicles and medical equipment to the city.
John Arnold, a legendary figure in the U.S., co-founded the first farmworker union with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta and has worked to educate the children of migrant workers. He was accompanied by his wife Naya, Princess of Ghana, and representatives of the International Foundation Honoris Causa (FHC). The mayor warmly received them and praised Arnold’s philanthropic efforts, which have supported braceros, indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups near the Mexican border. Arnold’s work has earned him numerous awards, especially in education.
Arnold announced that one purpose of his visit was to establish a partnership with Puerto Vallarta to start a series of donations through the Honoris Causa Foundation, where he serves as vice president in the US. Planned donations include two utility trucks that can be converted into ambulances or emergency vehicles for the Fire Department, followed by an ambulance, a fire truck, medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.
Martínez Gil has been invited to represent the Honoris Causa Foundation in Puerto Vallarta from 2024 to 2028 and will oversee all donations to the city.
Gabriela Castillo, president of the Honoris Causa USA Foundation, also attended the meeting. She invited the mayor to visit Alaska on July 27 for the installation of the tenth FHC Liberty Bell, dedicated to Mexican astronaut Katya Echazarreta, where Puerto Vallarta will be the guest municipality of Mexico.
Marco Tardelli, president of the Honoris Causa International Foundation, explained that this cultural and commercial event aims to promote tourism from Alaska to Puerto Vallarta.