Puerto Vallarta, México – The spotlight at Teatro Vallarta shone brighter than ever last Sunday as eight courageous straight men traded their everyday attire for sequins and high heels to support a vital cause. This year’s What A Drag! event proved to be a monumental success, raising over 3.5 million pesos to benefit Casa Esperanza, a local shelter dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence.
This achievement represents a steady tradition of generosity, as the fundraiser has now exceeded the 3-million-peso mark for three consecutive years. Since its origin in 2015 as a creative way to generate awareness in the Banderas Bay area, the event has evolved into one of the community’s most anticipated gatherings.
The 2026 edition coincided with International Women’s Day, adopting a spirited “Studio 54” disco theme that brought the high energy of the 1970s to the stage.
Each participant was guided by a “Fairy Drag Mother” who assisted with professional makeup, elaborate costuming, and talent coaching. These transformations were made possible through the generous backing of local sponsors who helped turn the contestants into “beautiful princesses” for the evening.
The show, hosted by beloved singer and comedian Amy Armstrong, featured a lineup of impressive guest artists including Ada Vox, Fernandrag, Armando Chakam, Tonny Kenneth and Adán Carano.
The evening reached its peak when David Abiram Sánchez Pérez, performing as “Davina Divine,” was crowned the winner. Sponsored by Tropicasa Realty, Sánchez Pérez captivated the audience with a performance defined by humor and heart. His victory added to an evening filled with professional choreography and Lip syncing performances that kept the hundreds of attendees entertained from start to finish.
Organizers David Zude and Joanne Jacobs emphasized that these funds are essential for the daily operations of Casa Esperanza. The money raised provides a lifeline for families seeking safety and a fresh start. While the live event has concluded, the organizers expressed deep gratitude to the local business owners and community members whose contributions made the night possible.
For those who were unable to attend the festivities in person, highlights remain available through livestreams on the event’s official Facebook page. Additionally, the community is encouraged to continue their support through the GEM program. By contributing a monthly donation, supporters receive a sterling silver pendant featuring the shelter’s logo, serving as a lasting symbol of their commitment to a safer future for women and children.
About The Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter
Operated by Compassion for the Family Inc, a US 501c3 charitable organization, the Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter provides beaten, emotionally abused and broken women and their children with a warm caring place to live, food, emotional counseling, nursing care, child care, child counseling, job training, life training and, most of all, a second chance at life – free of violence. When each of these women and their children are ready to embark on their new lives, they are provided with a minimum of six-month follow-up support. For more information, please visit CompassionForTheFamily.com.