Saturday, February 12th marks the date for the biggest and best charity event of the season - the annual RISE for Hope to benefit the children living at Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.) It will take place at the American School (located on the north side of Plaza Marina) from 5 to 9 pm.

This year's event is particularly meaningful as it is the 10th anniversary of the Refugio's founding. Plenty of delicious food, beverages, terrific entertainment, live and silent auctions, and LOADS of fun will be in store for everyone.

Many of Vallarta favorite restaurants will be there showcasing their food. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be served. Entertainment will be plentiful and varied. Los Bambinos, Ballet Folklorica Azteca, Kim Kuzma and of course the precious children of the Refugio will take turns wowing the crowd.

In between the great food and fabulous entertainment, party-goers can try their luck at the Silent and Live Auctions. Many valuable items such as a three stone diamond anniversary ring or a Movado men's watch from Diamonds International, golf packages from El Tigre, Vista Vallarta and Marina Vallarta Golf, hotel stays from the Marriott, the Four Seasons, the Grand Paladium in the Riviera Maya, and the Grand Bay Hotel at Isla de Navidad Manzanillo, Mexico, a Sony e-reader from Visions Electronics, and a personalized dinner by Food by Seth at the beautiful Vallarta Botanical Gardens are among the many items up for bid.

A raffle is being held as well, with the top prize being two round trip coach tickets on Alaska or Horizon Airlines. These tickets are unrestricted without blackout dates and are valid for one year. Other prizes are a special creation by Patti Gallardo and a one month unlimited membership at Yoga Vallarta.

Event organizers are taking special care to prevent over-crowding at the event, so a limited number of tickets will be sold.

Tickets, priced at $550 pesos, are now available at Daiquiri Dick's, the American School, by calling Sudy Coy at (322) 224-4407 or Silvia Snyder at 223-0285, or at the door.

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. R.I.S.E. is a Mexican non-profit charitable organization, which accepts donations through a number of charitable organizations. More information about tax deductible donations can be found at their website: Refugio-Infantil.org.